Today, we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch who was born in 35AD in Syria - part of the Roman Empire. He was an early Christian writer and Bishop of Antioch. En route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom, Ignatius wrote a series of letters. This correspondence now forms a central part of the later collection known as the Apostolic Fathers. His letters also serve as an example of early Christian theology. Important topics they address include ecclesiology (the understanding of the Church and how it functions), the sacraments, and the role of bishops.
Like many other writers who came before him and who have followed afterwards, Saint Ignatius was surely guided by the Spirit (Gal 5:18) as he sought to explain such intricate details about the Church, yet his words paint a vivid picture of a deep-seated relationship of faith, trust and confidence that he had already discovered.
Today, let us ask Saint Ignatius to intercede for us, asking the Lord to strengthen our faith and to help us - like he helped Saint Ignatius - to speak boldly and to witness fearlessly to our faith which is living and active in our surroundings and in our own lives.
Have a great day.
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