This calendar of saints is drawn from several denominations, sects, and traditions. Although it will no longer be updated daily, the index on the right will guide visitors to a saint celebrated on any day they choose. Additional saints will be added as they present themselves to Major.

Monday, December 20, 2010

December 21 -- St. Ignatius of Antioch

I remember this quote from this time last year: "I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found to be the pure bread of God."

Ignatius was the second bishop of Antioch, a successor to the first generation of Apostles. He was sent off to Rome during the reign of Trajan to be thrown to the beasts in the arena. The Christians in Rome planned a getaway, probably including bribery and subterfuge, but Ignatius' objection to the plan was not based on honesty. Rather, he sought to fulfill his personal spiritual journey through martyrdom.

It doesn't seem right to me. It seems that if you are called to serve, you have to keep serving as long as you can. Asking your friends not to help you so you can die sooner seems like a shortcut to heaven, and as JRR Tolkien said, shortcuts make long delays.

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