St Ignatius of Antioch

Rom. 3:21-30, Lk. 11:47-54. In today's first reading, Paul bases his ministry on the belief that human beings, of whatever race, are called to salvation through Jesus Christ. By contrast, today’s Gospel alludes to the murder of many prophets in Old Testament times. Old Testament terms often resonate in Paul’s writings. They include: the justice of God, the glory of God, redemption, blood, the law or Torah, choice by God, divine favour, mystery, fullness of time, the promise of a messianic saviour. By shedding His blood Christ achieves expiation for all who believe. When Paul says that God made the blood of Christ an expiation for sin, he draws from the imagery of Old Testament sacrifices that were meant to purge away sin.

Jesus condemns the Pharisees and lawyers for putting monuments over the graves of the prophets. Jesus did not objects the honour of the prophets, not so much to make shrine of their mortal remains, but by imitating their concern for others. Like the prophets, we are meant to stand up for the cause of justice, for other people’s dignity and rights. Let us be inspired by the examples shown by a courageous man of God, who was one of the early Church fathers, namely St Ignatius of Antioch whose memorial we celebrate today. Ignatius was one of the early leaders of the Church, being the successor of St Peter who founded the See of Antioch prior to his establishment of the See of Rome. Ignatius dedicated his life to his ministry and spent much effort in caring for his flock even amidst terrible and brutal persecutions against the Church and the faithful, writing extensively to the larger Church community encouraging them to keep the faith.

May the Lord show His care to all who dedicate their lives to the service of others and may His grace inspire our actions and sustain them to the end! Amen!! Good morning and have a wonderful day!!!