Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop, Martyr Obligatory Memorial
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 8: 2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7
Alleluia: John 15: 26a, 27a
Gospel: Luke 12: 8-12
First Reading: Ephesians 1: 15-23
15 Wherefore I also, hearing of your faith that is in the Lord Jesus, and of your love towards all the saints,
16 Cease not to give thanks for you, making commemoration of you in my prayers,
17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and of revelation, in the knowledge of him:
18 The eyes of your heart enlightened, that you may know what the hope is of the glory of his inheritance in the saints.
19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power towards us, who believe according to the operation of the might of his power,
20 Which he wrought in Christ, raising him up from the dead, and setting him on his right hand in the heavenly places.
21 Above all principality, and power, and virtue, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come.
22 And he hath subjected all things under his feet, and hath made him head over all the church,
23 Which is his body, and the fulness of him who is filled all in all.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 8: 2-3ab, 4-5, 6-7
R. (7) You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
2 O Lord our Lord, how admirable is thy name in the whole earth! For thy magnificence is elevated above the heavens.
3ab Out of the mouth of infants and of sucklings thou hast perfected praise, because of thy enemies.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
4 For I will behold thy heavens, the works of thy fingers: the moon and the stars which thou hast founded.
5 What is man that thou art mindful of him? or the son of man that thou visitest him?
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
6 Thou hast made him a little less than the angels, thou hast crowned him with glory and honour:
7 And hast set him over the works of thy hands.
R. You have given your Son rule over the works of your hands.
Alleluia: John 15: 26a, 27a
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
26a, 27a The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Luke 12: 8-12
8 And I say to you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God.
9 But he that shall deny me before men, shall be denied before the angels of God.
10 And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but to him that shall blaspheme against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven.
11 And when they shall bring you into the synagogues, and to magistrates and powers, be not solicitous how or what you shall answer, or what you shall say;
12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what you must say.
Reflection
Paul’s prayer is that the eyes of the heart may be enlightened: that believers may recognize the hope given to them and the immeasurable power God has already revealed in raising Christ from the dead. Jesus now reigns above every power and is given as head of the Church, his body. The Psalm deepens this wonder: the Lord who has made the heavens is mindful of humanity and has placed the works of his hands under the Son’s rule.
That vision of Christ’s authority gives courage to the Gospel’s command to confess him before others. Christian witness does not depend on having the perfect answer or relying on personal strength. The Spirit of truth testifies to Christ, and the Holy Spirit teaches his disciples what they must say. Our part is to remain open to that Spirit and refuse to hide our faith. When a word of truth, mercy, or hope is needed, we can trust that the risen Lord is present and active. Enlightened by his power, we need not be ruled by fear; Christ is Lord, and his Spirit gives his people the grace to speak faithfully.
Prayer
Father of glory, enlighten the eyes of my heart so that I may know the hope you have given me in Christ and trust the power of his resurrection. Keep me faithful to Jesus when silence would be easier. Holy Spirit, Spirit of truth, dwell within me and teach me what to say and how to say it, with humility and courage. Guard me from resisting your grace or denying the Lord who reigns over all. Make my words and choices a quiet testimony that Jesus is Lord and that his mercy is at work. Amen.
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