Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop and martyr
(Romans 4:1-8;
Luke 12:1-7)
Today’s
patron, St. Ignatius of Antioch, lived in a time of Roman persecution of
Christians. It is said that Christians
then would walk up to a stranger and make a line on the ground with his
foot. If the stranger would draw a line
through the first to make a cross, the two would know that they could talk
freely. If the other did not respond,
then the conversation would not mention faith in Christ. The gospel today seems to reference such a
custom.
Jesus says
that what has been whispered behind closed doors will be proclaimed on
housetops. He apparently means his
Lordship, which his disciples knew of but did not understand well. After his resurrection with the coming of the
Holy Spirit, they will see clearly and profess openly that in Jesus sins are
forgiven and people are destined to experience eternal life.
Today
religion has been privatized. Social
pressures intimidate people from talking openly about how God has affected
their lives. Ironically, it is a message
that others not only need but often want to hear. When we give testimony to our faith, we
strengthen others’ resolve to live righteous lives. That benefits society and leads to personal
salvation.
