I no longer take pleasure in perishable food or in the delights of this world. I want only God's bread, which is the Flesh of Jesus Christ, formed of the seed of David, and for drink I crave His Blood which is love that cannot perish.
Interpretation
The quote expresses a desire for spiritual sustenance over earthly pleasures.
Ignatius of Antioch reflects on the transient nature of earthly pleasures, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from spiritual nourishment found in faith, particularly in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He advocates for a life focused on eternal values rather than temporary delights, emphasizing the importance of divine love and spiritual communion.
In practice
In a sermon emphasizing the importance of faith over worldliness.
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.
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.
There can be no greater gift than that of giving one’s time and energy to help others without expecting anything in return.
Nobody can tell what I suffer! But it is always so. Those who do not complain are never pitied.
We all have our time machines, don't we. Those that take us back are memories...And those that carry us forward, are dreams.
Ever since the economic crisis in 2008, millions of people have accepted cuts in all sorts of things - from real wages and living standards to benefits and hospital care - without any real opposition. The cuts may be right, or they may be stupid - but the astonishing thing is how no-one really challenges them.
To suspect your own mortality is to know the beginning of terror, to learn irrefutably that you are mortal is to know the end of terror.
An important function of theology is to keep religion tied to reason and reason to religion. Both roles are of essential importance for humanity.
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