Homily (Reflection) for the Memorial
of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, B.M. (17th October, 2016) on the
Gospel and the Memorial
Eph 2:1-10;
Ps 99. (R. v.3);
Lk 12:13-21.
Saint Ignatius of Antioch (c. 35 – c. 108), was an
Apostolic Father, student of the Apostle John, and the third bishop of Antioch.
En route to Rome for his martyrdom, he wrote seven letters to different
Christian communities in which he discussed among other topics, ecclesiology,
the sacraments, and the role of bishops.[1]
Saint Ignatius was the first to use the term “catholic” to describe the whole
Church. He was martyred during the reign of Emperor Trajan, because he refused
to renounce the Christian faith and was brutally devoured by wild beasts in a public
spectacle.[2]
Topic: What consists life.
Someone begged Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the
family inheritance with me.” But Jesus replied, “Friend, who set me to be a judge
or arbitrator over you?” He then warned the crowd, “Take care! Be on your guard
against all kinds of greed; for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of
possessions.” Jesus also told them the parable of a rich man whose land
produced abundantly. He planned how to store up his grain and goods for himself.
However, “God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life is being
demanded of you. And the things you have prepared, whose will they be?”
These words of God to the rich man ought to ring bell
continually in our ears. We are after so many things in this world. Most regrettably,
some of them have nothing to offer us even in this present life. Yet we fall
headlong in pursuit of them and are sometimes even ready to die for them.
It is crucial to question
ourselves from time to time of the essence of the things we pursue and the ones
already in our possessions. Again, it is also necessary to consider if we will
leave this world with any.
Saint Ignatius of Antioch preferred Jesus to every other
thing. This is summarised in his words, “I would rather die and come to Jesus
Christ than be king over the entire earth. Him I seek who died for us; him I
love who rose again because of us.” What about you?
Bible Reading: Matt 13:44-50.
Thought for today: What consists life?
Let us pray: Lord, direct our hearts and minds after
only the things that consist life – Amen.
Saint Ignatius of Antioch – Pray for
us.
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