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.
As a feminist of Egyptian and Muslim descent, my life's work has been informed by the belief that religion and culture must never be used to justify the subjugation of women.
If I was a boy, nobody would care that I worked out six, seven hours a day when I was 9 years old, no? Why were people always saying 'poor little girl?' I liked to work out and always did more than I was asked to.
Fear will keep you alive in a war. Fear will keep you alive in business. There's nothing wrong with fear.
Hip-hop definitely taught me a lot. Having to create your own identity and become known and respected in a male-dominated field - it requires some guts. There are times you have to be strong, and times when you have to stand alone for what you believe in.
There is nothing to fear except fear it's self.
Slaves do not always welcome their deliverers. They become accustomed to being slaves. They would rather gear those ills they have
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