Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
(Ephesians 2:1-10; Luke 12-13-21)
Many commentators look to the fourth century as the
beginning of the downfall of the Church.
In that period Christianity was not only decriminalized but also became
the state religion. Since then, becoming
a Christian was politically correct and scoundrels of different stripes have entered
the Church.
The Letter to the Ephesians, probably written in the latter
part of the first century, features a pristine Christianity. In today’s reading the author, who was
probably a disciple of St. Paul, tells of how Christians before their
conversions had lived much like everyone else.
That is, they were focused on pleasure and accumulation and given to
wrath. Then they responded to the call
of Christ. They could take advantage of his
grace to live exemplary lives featuring good works. There was no material advantage in being a
Christian at that time. However, there
was the hope of eternal life for practitioners.
The Christian situation is coming full circle. People are leaving the Church in significant
numbers. No more is it very advantageous
to be a Christian. There is much to
regret in the loss as many Christian values like the dignity of the human
person from conception to natural death no longer penetrate public life. However, the time is upon us to experience
intimate friendship in the Lord as we give exemplary testimony to him with our
lives.
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