Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
(Ephesians
1:1-10; Luke 11:47-54)
Today the
Church remembers a saint of singular importance both as a witness and as a communicator. Ignatius, bishop of Antioch, was martyred in
Rome around 107 A.D. On his march from
Syria to Rome for execution, he wrote seven letters. They testify to his personal holiness and to the
order of the early Church.
Ignatius desired
to be executed so that he might live with Christ. In his Letter to the Romans he pleads with
the people not to intercede to save his life.
He writes that even if he later changes his mind out of fear, Romans Christians
are not to help him live on. True life, he says, is union with Christ.
Ignatius’
letters reveal a well-developed Church in Syria and throughout the region that
today comprises Turkey. There are presbyters
and deacons. There is union of churches
through their leaders in Christ. The letters also provide historical witness to
the doctrine of the Letter to the Ephesians, from which today’s first reading
is taken. They proclaim human redemption
through the Blood of Christ.
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