Feast of St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr.

St Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr. 

"After Jesus had spoken, a Pharisee invited him to dine at his home.

"He entered and reclined at table to eat. 

"The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not observe the prescribed washing before the meal.

"The Lord said to him, “Oh, you Pharisees! Although you cleanse the outside of the cup and the dish, inside you are filled with plunder and evil. You fools! Did not the maker of the outside also make the inside? 

"But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” (Luke 11: 37 - 41).

Tuesday 17th of October 2023 is the feast of a giant of our faith: St Ignatius of Antioch. (+ 107). Syrian. Bishop and Martyr.

St Ignatius was ordained Bishop by St Peter, the Prince of the Apostles himself. He is Father of the Church. Ground to pieces by wild beasts under the persecution of Emperor Trajan.

Why is St Ignatius of Antioch pivotal in the history of the Church? Anyone ordained Bishop by the Apostle Peter has a claim to fame. But for St Ignatius of Antioch, there are other reasons too. During his journey from Antioch to Rome under heavy armed guards, Ignatius composed seven extraordinary letters. These letters are the earliest authoritative teaching on the Eucharist, the hierarchy of the Church, etc. 

Ignatius was torn to pieces by the iron teeth of wild beasts because he acknowledged Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior before Emperor Trajan.

The core message of the Gospel today is simple and pointed:

"But as to what is within, give alms, and behold, everything will be clean for you.” (Cf Luke 11: 37 - 41).

God loves the cheerful giver. (Cf 2 Corinthians 9: 6 - 7).

All good gifts come from God. (Cf James 1: 17).

 It is not from chance our comfort springs but from God's gracious ordaining. (Cf Liturgy of the Hours - Lauds). 

Do not be mean with your possessions because you can not outdo God in generosity. 

October is the Holy Rosary Month. 

"Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to thy protection, implored thy help, or sought thine intercession was left unaided." (St Bernard of Clairvaux, Doctor of the Church).

Say the Holy Rosary every day in October. 

For Prayers, Consecration, Litany, Testimony of Jesus about those who pray the Rosary, click the link below:

https://seekfirst.blogspot.com/2023/09/october-devotion-to-holy-rosary.html?m=1

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com