SEVEN LETTERS ON THE ROAD AND THE COURAGE OF A LION: HELLO, IGNATIUS!
Travelling to Rome in chains, Ignatius of Antioch still found words to encourage others. His seven letters have survived to our day. The Church remembers him on 17 October.
Imagine a journey to Rome with no freedom to choose your route. Ignatius is a prisoner and knows he is facing martyrdom. Yet during the stops he writes, sending Christian communities affection, encouragement and a call to stay united.
Who was Ignatius?
He lived between the first and second centuries and was bishop of Antioch, one of the ancient world’s great cities. It belonged to the historical region of Syria; its site is in present-day Turkey. Tradition connects Ignatius with the apostle John and Saint Polycarp.
He also called himself Theophorus, meaning God-bearer. The name expresses how he understood his faith: something to carry with him, even in hardship.
Seven letters, each with a purpose
On his journey under guard to Rome during Emperor Trajan’s reign, he wrote four letters from Smyrna: to Ephesus, Magnesia, Tralles and Rome. From Troas he sent another three: to Philadelphia, Smyrna and its bishop Polycarp.
They are more than ancient documents. They hold relationships, worries, gratitude and a wish for communities to keep walking together. They are among the most precious testimonies of the early Church.
A word we still use
His Letter to the Smyrnaeans contains the earliest surviving use of the expression Catholic Church. Catholic means universal. For Ignatius, the unity of believers with Christ and their bishop runs through the whole life of the community.
The courage to remain faithful
He asked the Christians of Rome not to prevent his martyrdom. The image of God’s wheat in his letter expresses his desire to remain united with Christ to the end. These words arose in persecution and should be read in that context, respecting his witness.
What can we bring into our own day?
Without comparing our difficulties to persecution, we can learn from one of his gestures: reaching out to people we love even when we are struggling ourselves. We do not need perfect words to help someone feel less alone.
A thought of faith
Faith also lives in our relationships: praying together, listening and supporting those who struggle. Lord, help us build unity without forgetting anyone left on the margins.
