Now do I begin to be a disciple of Christ, and care for nothing in this world, that so I may find Jesus. Let fire, or the cross, or wild beasts, or the breaking of my bones, or the cutting of me to pieces, or the shattering of my whole body, yea, all the tortures of the devil - let them all come upon me, only let me enjoy my God.
Interpretation
This quote emphasizes the idea of self-sacrifice and unwavering faith in pursuit of a higher spiritual connection, regardless of suffering.
In this profound expression of faith, Ignatius of Antioch reflects the ultimate commitment to Christ, highlighting a willingness to endure extreme suffering and persecution for the sake of spiritual fulfillment. The determination to place spiritual devotion above all earthly concerns signifies a deep-rooted belief that true joy is found in God, irrespective of the trials one may face. It serves as a reminder that in the quest for divine connection, one should be prepared to confront any hardship.
In practice
In a sermon about faith, one might use this quote to inspire the congregation to prioritize their spiritual lives even in the face of adversity.
I greet you from Smyrna together with the Churches of God present here with me. They comfort me in every way, both in body and soul. My chains, which I carry about on me for Jesus Christ, begging that I may happily make my way to God, exhort you: persevere in your concord and in you community prayers.
I am writing to all the Churches and I enjoin all, that I am dying willingly for God's sake, if only you do not prevent it. I beg you, do not do me an untimely kindness. 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.
Where the bishop is present, there is the Catholic Church
I am God's wheat and shall be ground by their teeth so that I may become Christ's pure bread.
I am the wheat of God, and am ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of God.
I hunger for the bread of God, the flesh of Jesus Christ ...; I long to drink of his blood, the gift of unending love.
You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.
We might not be back. I might be in jail. I might be anywhere. But when I leave, you'll remember I said, with the last words on my lips, that I am a revolutionary. And you're going to have to keep on saying that. You're going to have to say that I am a proletariat; I am the people.
Who can be born black and not exult!
Go to the battlefield firmly confident of victory and you will come home with no wounds whatsoever.
My strength comes from my abdomen. It's the center of gravity and the source of real power.
If you have a secret, and it's embarrassing to you, when you tell that story - you own it. It becomes yours, and no one can use it against you.
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