The affirmation of the divinity of Jesus, founded on the wisdom of His words and the miracles of His life, is the object aimed at in the Season after Epiphany which ends to-morrow. St. Ignatius, illustrious for his teaching, corroborates these different testimonies by his martyrdom, one of the most glorious in history.This third successor of St. Peter at Antioch (Gradual) was condemned to the wild beasts during the Persecution of Trajan and sent in chains to Rome. The Introit and Epistle sum up the sentiments of his heart. "Let fire, cross, beasts, and all the torments of the devil come upon me, so long as I enjoy Jesus Christ."
"The grain of wheat must die in order to bring forth much fruit" (Gospel). And St. Ignatius on hearing the roaring of the lions exclaimed "I am the wheat of Jesus Christ: may I be ground by the fangs of wild beasts and become a bread agreeable to my Lord Jesus Christ" (Communion). He was martyred at Rome between 110 and 118. His name is mentioned in the Canon of the Mass (second list).
Let us like this saint die to the world and to ourselves as a testimony that it is Jesus who lives in us (Alleluia).
Mihi autem absit gloriari, nisi in cruce Domini nostri Jesu Christi, per quem mihi mundus crucifixus est, et ego mundo. * Memento, Domine, David: et omnis mansuetudinis ejus.
God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ; by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. * Lord, remember David, and all his meekness.
(Galatians 6:14 and Psalm from the Introit of Mass).
Infirmitatem nostram respice, omnipotens Deus; et, quia pondus propriae actionis gravat, beati Ignatii Martyris tui atquePontificis intercessio gloriosa nos protegat.
Have regard to our weakness, O almighty God, and since the burden of our deeds is grievous to us, grant that the glorious intercession of blessed Ignatius Thy martyr and bishop may protect us.
From the Catholic Encyclopaedia: http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/07644a.htm
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