Early Catholic Teachings of St Ignatius of Antioch – Oct 17 – Homily – Fr Terrance

 

Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Oct 17, 2025, where he discusses St. Ignatius of Antioch's life, his letters emphasizing how he clearly taught Catholic doctrines like hierarchy, Eucharist, and Roman primacy, and called for Church unity.

Father begins by praising Jesus and Mary, then introduces St. Ignatius of Antioch as an Apostolic Father, convert, and disciple of the Apostle John, who served as Bishop of Antioch starting in 70 AD. He notes Antioch's mention in the Book of Acts, such as 'Acts 11:26', where believers were first called Christians. Father explains Ignatius's martyrdom in 107 AD and his seven letters, esteemed highly but not scripture. He highlights Ignatius's eagerness for martyrdom, quoting his plea to Romans not to intervene. He emphasizes themes proving Ignatius's Catholicity, including the first use of 'Catholic Church' in his letter to Smyrna, stressing unity with the bishop as with Christ. He draws from letters to Ephesus and Smyrna, underscoring hierarchy and submission to bishops, presbyters, and deacons. Addressing docetism, Father quotes Ignatius, affirming the Eucharist as Christ's flesh in letters to Smyrna and Philadelphia. He mentions the Didache's view of Eucharist as sacrifice and Ignatius's Eucharistic imagery in his Roman letter. Father discusses deference to the Roman Church, seen as presiding in love, indicating primacy, without admonishing it like others. He concludes with a call for unity, referencing Jesus's prayer in 'John 17:20-21' for believers to be one as the Father and Son are one.

For Further Reading:
Acts 11:26 - NAB - Believers first called Christians in Antioch - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/acts/11?26
John 17:20-21 - NAB - Jesus prays for unity of believers - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/john/17?20
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1348 - The Eucharistic celebration structure - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a3.htm#1348
Catechism of the Catholic Church #874 - Christ as source of ministry - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p4.htm#874
Catechism of the Catholic Church #833 - Particular Churches and universal Church - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p123a9p3.htm#833
Wikipedia - Ignatius of Antioch - Early Church Father and martyr - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ignatius_of_Antioch
Catholic Answers - The Real Presence - Eucharist as Christ's body - https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-real-presence
New Advent - Letters of St. Ignatius - Full texts and analysis - https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/0109.htm

Ave Maria!

Mass: St. Ignatius of Antioch - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=677
Readings: Friday 28th Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/101725.cfm
1st: rom 4:1-8
Resp: psa 32:1-2, 5, 11
Gsp: luk 12:1-7

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1179&r=1527

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