Let me tell you about one of the most fired-up saints in
Church history - St. Ignatius of Antioch! This incredible bishop lived in the
late first and early second century, and he quite possibly knew the Apostle
John personally. Imagine learning about Jesus from someone who actually walked
with Him! Ignatius became the third bishop of Antioch, one of the most
important early Christian communities, and he led his flock with courage during
a time when being Christian could cost you everything.
What makes Ignatius absolutely legendary is what happened when he was arrested
and sentenced to death in Rome. While being transported under armed guard, he
wrote seven letters that have survived to this day - and they're not filled
with fear or complaints. They're overflowing with joy, theological depth, and
an almost unbelievable eagerness to die for Christ! He actually wrote to the
Romans begging them not to interfere with his martyrdom. He penned this
unforgettable line: "I am God's wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth
of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ." That's the
kind of love that changes the world.
The first thing we can learn from Ignatius is his radical devotion to the
Eucharist. He wasn't wishy-washy about it - he taught clearly that the
Eucharist is truly Jesus, body and blood. He called it "the medicine of
immortality" and fought against anyone who denied its reality. In our
world where it's easy to take Mass for granted or treat Communion casually,
Ignatius reminds us what we're actually receiving - Jesus Himself! He
challenges us to approach the altar with awe, reverence, and a burning desire
for Christ.
Ignatius also taught us about unity in the Church. He emphasized that
Christians should be united with their bishops and with each other, not divided
by egos or personal preferences. He's actually one of the first writers to use
the term "Catholic Church" in his letters! He knew that we're
stronger together, that the Church isn't a collection of individuals doing
their own thing, but a body united in Christ. In our age of division, even
within parishes, Ignatius calls us back to that beautiful unity in truth and
love.
But perhaps the most powerful lesson from Ignatius is his absolute fearlessness
in the face of death. He didn't just accept martyrdom - he embraced it with joy
because it meant being united with Christ. He wrote about longing to suffer as
Jesus suffered, to imitate Him completely. Now, most of us won't face literal
lions, but we face daily martyrdoms - the mockery of our faith, the temptation
to stay silent about Jesus, the pressure to compromise our beliefs. Ignatius
shows us that when our love for Christ is real and deep, no sacrifice is too
great. His feast day is October 17th, and his life reminds us that being
Catholic isn't about playing it safe - it's about being set on fire with love
for Jesus and letting that fire consume everything else!
©2025 James Dacey, Jr., OFS
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