Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified their flesh
with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
with its passions and desires.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also follow the Spirit.
Some people say if Saint Ignatius of Antioch had died a little bit sooner, or if our church traditions had been a little more expansive, he would have written half the New Testament. In the early days of the second century, the martyred bishop wrote many extraordinary letters and treatises. With his stature, his holiness and his writing, he had a profound effect upon the structures of our church.
Saint Ignatius taught his presbyterate and his church that the bishop is to the church as God the Father is to Jesus. The same chord of love that binds the Father, Son and Holy Spirit draws together the diocese with its bishop, priests and laity. The unity of action, single-mindedness, joy and freedom that characterize the Trinity should be evident in the Church.
Saint Ignatius was so sure of the Gospel he could allow himself to be transported in a cage to Rome where he was savagely exposed to starved, maddened lions. His last plea to the Roman Christians was to insist they should not intervene on his behalf. He wanted his bones to be ground by the lion’s teeth as wheat is ground into flour before it’s baked into bread. In preparation for that day he endured the torment of the soldiers who transported him by sea and land to Rome. (Read a sample of his writing here.)
Saint Ignatius stands out in that generation of saints who led the Church into the second century. They were further removed from the Messiah who had founded the church and died on a cross. Everyone who knew Jesus in the flesh, the great apostles and disciples, had perished. And yet great witnesses still demonstrated heroic courage in their testimony. They were tortured, scalded, flayed, decapitated and crucified with all the joyful willingness of the Twelve Apostles. Second century Christians knew their Lord was as close to them as he was to Mary, John the Baptist, Peter and John. They saw it in men like Saint Ignatius of Antioch and women like Saint Hermione of Ephesus.
They lived in the spirit as Saint Paul had urged them, and followed the Spirit’s lead.
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.