Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Today is the feast day of St. Ignatius of Antioch who is considered one of the “Apostolic Fathers”. These leaders were present in the early church immediately following the apostles of Jesus. His connection with St. John the apostle and St. Polycarp (Bishop of Smyrna) provide evidence of St. Ignatius’ important role during this time. It is because of these Christian believers that our Catholic church grew and flourished even amidst the persecution from the Roman Empire.
There is not a lot known about Ignatius’ early life, but some legends claim that Ignatius was the child that Jesus took in his arms to show the importance of being childlike (Mark 9:35). Ignatius was the third bishop of Antioch, and it is here that the believers began to call themselves “Christians” (Acts 11:26). Ignatius lived during a time of great persecution, and he refused to deny his faith. On his journey from Antioch to Rome where he was martyred by the Romans, Ignatius sent 7 letters to early Christian communities reminding them of the importance of living out their faith. I think that what he wrote still has significant meaning for us today.
“We recognize a tree by its fruit, and we ought to be able to recognize a Christian by his action. The fruit of faith should be evident in our lives, for being a Christian is more than making sound professions of faith. It should reveal itself in practical and visible ways. Indeed it is better to keep quiet about our beliefs, and live them out, than to talk eloquently about what we believe, but fail to live by it” (St. Ignatius of Antioch)
These words of instruction remind us that the most effective way of sharing our faith is not in just words, but more importantly in the way be live out our beliefs. St. Ignatius recognized that being a Christian was more than just a name.
“It is not that I want merely to be called a Christian, but actually to be one. Yes, if I prove to be one, then I can have the name.”
In the midst of challenges today, it is good to remember that we are surrounded by a “cloud of witnesses” that includes individuals such at St. Ignatius. His belief in the fundamental truths of our faith is a source for hope and courage.
“Jesus Christ who was of the race of David, who was the Son of Mary, who was truly born and ate and drank, was truly persecuted under Pontius Pilate, was truly crucified and died in the sight of those in heaven and on earth and those under the earth; who moreover was truly raised from the dead, His Father having raised Him, who in the like fashion will so raise us also who believe on Him” (St. Ignatius of Antioch)
St. Ignatius made a significant impact on helping the early church put into words and deeds what it means to be a Christian. Because of his witness, we too are able to better understand how we are called to be Christ- bearers for the world around us.
St. Ignatius of Antioch, pray for us!
—Marylynn Herchline