Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Autumn is upon us with its beauty and melancholy as the days shorten and nature reminds us of our own eventual death. The Church also reminds us of our and our loved ones’ mortality as we approach All Souls Day in a couple of weeks (preceded by All Saints Day). And liturgically today as we celebrate the Memorial of St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr, we are given the reading from Paul’s letter to the Philippians, reminding us of our hope in the resurrection of the body, not just the soul.
“He will change our lowly body to conform with his glorified Body…” (Philippians 3:21a)
St. Paul is encouraging the Christians of Philippi, and we can be encouraged by his words as well. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, in this way stand firm in the Lord, beloved.” (4:1)
Jesus’ glorified body as revealed to the disciples before his ascension was not a ghost. He ate and drank with them and invited Thomas to put his fingers and hand in his bodily wounds that he might believe. We may not know what exactly changing “our lowly body to conform with his glorified Body” looks like, but it gives us hope; God cares about us wholly, both body and soul.
Drawing on the gospel passage from today’s optional ordinary readings (Luke 12:1-7) we are reminded that “even the hairs of your head have all been counted.” God knows and cares about every detail of our bodies. “Are not five sparrows sold for two small coins? Yet not one of them has escaped the notice of God…Do not be afraid. You are worth more than many sparrows.”
Our faith reassures us that death doesn’t have the final word, even over our bodies. Especially in this season of “death and dying” let us look confidently toward the resurrection of our bodies, along with those who have gone before us in faith. That we may pray with the Psalmist, “The Lord delivered me from all my fears.” (34:5)
—Eileen Miller