Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

Let no rank puff up anyone; for faith and love are paramount – the greatest blessings in the world.

Ignatius of Antioch

Ignatius of Antioch (/ɪɡˈneɪʃəs/; Greek: Ἰγνάτιος Ἀντιοχείας, Ignátios Antiokheías; died c. 108/140 AD),^{[3][4][7][8][9]} also known as Ignatius Theophorus (Ιγνάτιος ὁ Θεοφόρος, Ignátios ho Theophóros, lit. “the God-bearing”) or Ignatius Nurono (lit. “The fire-bearer”), was an early Christian writer and bishop of Antioch. While en route to Rome, where he met his martyrdom, Ignatius wrote a series of letters. This correspondence now forms a central part of a later collection of works known to be authored by the Apostolic Fathers. He is considered to be one of the three most important of these, together with Clement of Rome and Polycarp. His letters also serve as an example of early Christian theology. Important topics they address include ecclesiology, the sacraments, and the role of bishops.

CHAPTER ONE

DARK CLOUDS OVER A CLOSED WORLD

SHATTERED DREAMS

12. “Opening up to the world” is an expression that has been co-opted by the economic and financial sector and is now used exclusively of openness to foreign interests or to the freedom of economic powers to invest without obstacles or complications in all countries. Local conflicts and disregard for the common good are exploited by the global economy in order to impose a single cultural model. This culture unifies the world, but divides persons and nations, for “as society becomes ever more globalized, it makes us neighbours, but does not make us brothers”.[9] We are more alone than ever in an increasingly massified world that promotes individual interests and weakens the communitarian dimension of life. Indeed, there are markets where individuals become mere consumers or bystanders. As a rule, the advance of this kind of globalism strengthens the identity of the more powerful, who can protect themselves, but it tends to diminish the identity of the weaker and poorer regions, making them more vulnerable and dependent. In this way, political life becomes increasingly fragile in the face of transnational economic powers that operate with the principle of “divide and conquer”.

People only shout at each other, make terrible accusations and judgements and degrade the dignity of the human person.

Bishop Patrick J.  Zurek, A Reflection on Christian Life

Celebrating St. John Paul II in photos

socialist-catholics live in fear of the current pope dying.

maga-catholics live in fear of the current pope stacking the college of cardinals and thus choosing the next pope. 

Catholics live in LOVE knowing that it is not wise to oppose the Holy Spirit, whose plan for the universe is carried out through the church; as we celebrate the centenary of St. John Paul II’s birth, whose pontificate began with the words “Be not afraid.”!

Today’s Scriptures

…the Church, which is his Body,

the fullness of the one who fills all things in every way.

EPH 1:22-23

R. (7) You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.

What is man that you should be mindful of him,

or the son of man that you should care for him?

PS 8:5

“…but the one who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit

will not be forgiven.”

LK 12:10