A Homily for Friday of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch
Friday, October 17, 2025
Prince of Peace Catholic Church – 8:00 Mass
Philippians 3:17-4:1; Psalm 34:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9; John 12:24-26 (Alternate Readings for the Memorial)
Audio Recording
Today we celebrate the Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch. Around the year 107, Bishop Ignatius was arrested for refusing to sacrifice to the Roman gods and sentenced to be devoured by wild beasts in Rome. Ignatius was one of the Apostolic Fathers – those rare saints who had a direct connection to the Apostles themselves. It’s likely that he was a disciple of Saint John, and he succeeded Saint Peter as bishop of one of Christianity’s most important cities. For forty years he shepherded the church in Antioch through persecution and upheaval.
Now, as an old man in chains, he was being transported 1,500 miles to his execution. But instead of despairing, he wrote seven letters to Christian communities along the way – letters still treasured by the Church today. In his letter to the Romans, he wrote something stunning: “I am God’s wheat and bread. Let me be food for the wild beasts, for they are my way to God.” He actually pleaded with the Roman Christians not to intervene to save him. He wanted this martyrdom.
“I am God’s wheat.” Ignatius understood perfectly what Jesus meant in today’s Gospel: “Unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit.” Ignatius knew his death would nourish the Church, and he embraced it with joy.
Most of us will never face literal martyrdom. But we are each called to “white martyrdom” as daily witnesses to our faith in a culture that has lost its moral compass. This requires dying to self, dying to the comfort of going along to get along, dying to the fear of being thought of as prudish.
So how do we do this? How can we be fearless witnesses to the truth of the gospel?
Consider the following situations. Perhaps at a family gathering, someone dismisses the value of unborn life or supports redefining marriage. Do we speak up gently but clearly in support of the teachings of Christ and His Church, or do we stay silent?
Perhaps a neighbor suggests ending their life when their health declines and life gets very difficult. Tragically, so many in our culture today believe that the answer to suffering is to end their life. Do we witness to the sacred dignity of every human life and the sanctifying value of suffering?
Or maybe we’re with friends who are gossiping? Do we try to redirect the conversation with kindness or do we go along with the gossip by joining in or staying silent? The next time this happens we might try to redirect the conversation by pointing out the good qualities of the one who is being disparaged. These are all moments for us to be wheat – to let our comfort die and be faithful witness to God’s truth and His love.
And when we witness to God’s truth, we must do it as Ignatius did. Even as he was being led to execution, his letters overflow with love. No bitterness, no harshness – just passionate love for Christ and a deep concern for others.
So let us ask ourselves today: Where am I called to be planted as a grain of wheat? Where do I need to be a seed of God’s love, His truth and His mercy? Where do I need to go out of my comfort zone so that His truth can bear fruit in the lives of those to whom He sends me?
Saint Ignatius of Antioch, pray for us.