Apostolic Father, wrote seven epistles. Defender of ecclesial unity and heroic martyrdom
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October 17th: Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
Gospel text
Jn 12:24-26
Jn 12:24-26
Jesus said to his disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit."
Gospel's Commentary
Today we celebrate Saint Ignatius (c. 35-108), who was the third bishop of Antioch (Turkey). From Syria, Ignatius was sent to Rome to be thrown to the wild beasts because of his testimony for Christ. The journey to martyrdom lasted several weeks. During this time, Ignatius wrote seven valuable letters to various Christian communities (Ephesus, Philadelphia, Smyrna…). These writings are a privileged testimony of the faith and life of the early Christian generations. He was the first to use the word "Eucharist" to refer to the Blessed Sacrament. Saint Ignatius calls the Eucharist "the flesh of Christ," "God's gift," and "medicine of immortality." He also names Jesus as the "Bread of God," to be eaten at the altar within a united Church.
—Ignatius, like Christ, knew well where he was headed. His ardor, hope, and love for martyrdom are deeply moving.