He understood his death as the gateway to eternal life, his martyr’s death in union with Jesus who was crucified and is risen, whose love conquers sin and death and gives meaning to all of life. Ignatius, reflecting on his approaching martyrdom for Christ, said, “Then I shall truly be a man.”
"Allow me to be eaten by the beasts, which are my way of reaching to God. I am God’s wheat, and I am to be ground by the teeth of wild beasts, so that I may become the pure bread of Christ" (Saint Ignatius of Antioch, while heading to the Colosseum for martyrdom, 110 AD).
Countless others from every nation and people have faced death with the same confidence, the same hope, surrender, and love for Jesus Christ. On this very day, Jesus is transforming peoples’ lives. Even today, the Holy Spirit is giving people the faith, hope, and love for God that enables them to experience suffering and death in Christ—the One who reveals that God is our Father, that He loves us, that He wants us live forever.
October 17: Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr, circa year 110.
