GOD BEARER
One’s life does not consist of possessions. What good is it if one gains the whole world and forfeit his or her soul? Life without God is nothing but death. A good life is a life that is lived in God and with God. We are called to be God bearers. Jesus said remain in me and I remain in you. Without me you can do nothing, niente, nulla. Today, we celebrate the memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, a friend of Saint Polycarp. Both of Ignatius and Polycarp were disciples of Saint John the Apostle. Fourth century histories report that Ignatius was installed by Apostles Peter and Paul and served as bishop of Antioch for forty years. Saint Peter was said to be the first bishop of Antioch. The city was one of the first and most important Christian communities (see Acts of the Apostles 11:26). It was in Antioch that the disciples of Christ were first called Christians.
Ignatius is one of the fathers of the Church. He referred to himself as Theophorus (God-Bearer). He was a great shepherd to his diocese and would do his greatest work on the long voyage to his execution in Rome, as he “carried God” to the people and churches in Asia Minor. Ignatius was not killed in Antioch but was transferred to Rome under the guide of ten soldiers whom he referred to as ten leopards. The Roman authorities saw public torture and execution of Christianity’s leaders as a way to frighten and disperse their congregation and followers. A way to make public statement and intimidate Christians. Ignatius was martyred during the reign of Roman Emperor Trajan
It was during his voyage to Rome that Ignatius wrote seven letters to the Christians. His letters are called Epistles:
The Epistle to the Trallians,
The Epistle to the Smyrnaeans,
The Epistle to the Romans,
The Epistle to the Philadelphians,
The Epistle to the Magnesians,
The Epistle to the Ephesians,
The Epistle to Polycarp, a bishop of Smyrna.
In life and in death, Ignatius continued to bear God’s message to the world. His letters were venerated everywhere and were considered canonical Scriptures by some churches. Saint Polycarp testified to this in his own Letter to the Philippians, that Ignatius letters were much in demand throughout the Church before Ignatius was martyred.
In these letters, St Ignatius urged the Christians there to continue being faithful to God and to remain obedient to their Church leaders. He also warned them against heresies. His Letter to the Smyrnaeans, show valuable record of the ancient Church’s belief on the Eucharist, the priesthood, and the Church hierarchy. Ignatius was the first to use the term “Catholic” in reference to the Church.
To the disciples in Rome, he wrote: “Allow me to emulate my suffering God. I am God’s wheat and I shall be chewed by the teeth of beasts, that I may become the pure bread of Christ.” Several times in his Letter to the Rome, he urged the Christians in Rome not to try to save him from death. “Now may I win grace to cling to my lot without hindrance to the end. For I am afraid of your love, lest it should injure me. For it is easy for you to accomplish what you please, but it is difficult for me to attain to God, if you spare me under the pretense of fleshly affection.”
Dear friends, on special day we are reminded to place our priorities right. Our life should be centered in God. What things are driving a wedge between us and God? What? What is holding us captive? Money, material wealth, promiscuity, idolatry, administrative and political power……..
Whatever we have and own is given to us by God. Can you and I survive on our own without the help of God? Jesus tells us that God, the giver of life, will demand accountability from us on the last day, and depending on where you stored your treasures, your souls will be taken to that destination: heave or hell.
Like Saint Ignatius, may we continually look to God for our help, comfort and companionship.
Have a wonderful week.
