There are not a lot of details known about the life of St Ignatius of Antioch. Born in Syria and a convert to Christianity, he became Bishop of the important city of Antioch. The Emperor Trajan forced Christians to choose between death and denying their faith. Ignatius was condemned to death when he refused to deny Christ. Ignatius is best known for the 7 letters he wrote on his journey to Rome to face martyrdom. He wrote to different churches located in Asia Minor, imploring them to remain faithful to God and to obey their bishops and superiors. He also defends the faith from heretical beliefs in these letters as well. Regarding his martyrdom, he wrote this: “The only thing I ask of you is to allow me to offer the libation of my blood to God. I am the wheat of the Lord; may I be ground by the teeth of the beasts to become the immaculate bread of Christ.” He urged Christian unity to the end of his life and remained faithful even to his death around the year 107.
Our psalmist states: “The Lord has made known his salvation.” Ignatius of Antioch and the martyrs of the Early Church found strength in the salvation they received in their Lord Jesus Christ. May the salvation we received in our Lord bring us strength and courage.
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