St Ignatius of Antioch

    Today is Saint Ignatius of Antioch's feast day. A man. A Bishop. His name at birth, Ignatius Theophorus, meaning, "the God-bearing". An early Christian writer and Patriarch of Antioch. While enroute to Rome, met his martyrdom. Ignatius wrote a series of letters. The corresponding letters form a central part of later collections of works by the "Apostolic Father's", together with Saint Clement of Rome and Saint Polycarp. These writings serve as an example of early Christian Theology. They address certain issues including topics on "Ecclesiology, the Sacraments and the role of Bishops". He is depicted as being surrounded by lions or in chains. Meeting his martyrdom by the fate of hungry lions, he asked that no one interfere with this form of death, as he was willing to die for Christ. Being from Antioch he was transported to Rome for the emperor to provide the spectacle as a victim in the Colosseum. A spectators sport. Could you imagine sitting there, watching a person get gruesomely torn apart and then eaten, right in front of your eyes? I could not do it, if my eyes ever were to ever have to behold such a thing, I would leave with the image of that person as brave and courageous. As a Martyr.

     There are Martyrs all around us. Persecution of our faith abounds in the torment of responding proudly and proclaiming that Jesus Christ is Lord. Saint Ignatius is just one of the hundreds of thousands who could not refuse the Faith. The Faith of God in all truth with incredible courage. 

     We asked Saint Ignatius to strengthen our faith as we meet the Lions of our day. We will be strong and courageous as we warrior for our God who is our leader, our comfort and our Truth.