St Ignatius of Antioch

"The time for my birth is close at hand. Forgive me, my brothers. Do not stand in the way of my birth to real life; do not wish me stillborn. My desire is to belong to God."

How you think you would spend your time if you were being led to your death? Ignatius of Antioch wrote seven important letters as he was transported from Antioch to Rome and his martyrdom, insisting always that he was ready to die and was not afraid. Jesus had overcome death through his resurrection and Ignatius was anxious to join the Lord in heaven. It is an amazing testament to faith, and his letters to the Romans say it clearly.

Fire, cross, struggles with wild beasts, wrenching of bones, mangling of limbs-let them come to me, provided only I make my way to Christ than be king over the entire earth.

Although most of us will never have to face the specter of martyrdom, we must be ready for challenges to our faith. How to respond to the apathy about faith all around us, and how to live in a country that has so much material wealth are challenges we face everyday. Unless we keep our eyes on the prize like Ignatius of Antioch, we can get lost in the muck of materialism that masquerades as success.

Today, ask for an increase of faith

How do you respond to the daily challenges to your faith?