Thursday 17 October

St Ignatius of Antioch (M)

Romans 3:21-30; Psalm 130; Luke 11:47-54

or Philippians 3:17–4:1; Psalm 34:2-9; John 12:24-26

Taste and see

St Ignatius was the first Bishop of Antioch after St Peter. Both were martyred in Rome, Peter by crucifixion (c. 67 AD), and Ignatius, by wild beasts (c. 107 AD). Ignatius wrote letters encouraging the Christian faithful. Likewise, St Paul: “… our homeland is in heaven, and from heaven comes the saviour we are waiting for, the Lord Jesus Christ … dear friends do not give way, but remain faithful to the Lord”.

Lord, hold me firm to the faith of the Apostles in which St Ignatius lived and died.