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.
It’s better to be in the arena, getting stomped by the bull, than to be up in the stands or out in the parking lot.
Can any man be courageous who has the fear of death in him?
The role of citizen in our democracy does not end with your vote.
I'm simply not afraid. It's not in my dictionary of behaviour.
Like the experience of warfare, the endurance of grave or terminal illness involves long periods of tedium and anxiety, punctuated by briefer interludes of stark terror and pain.
It was just him and me. He fought with honor. If it weren't for his honor, he and the others would have beaten me together. They might have killed me, then. His sense of honor saved my life. I didn't fight with honor . . . I fought to win.
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