The Word: "In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace which he lavished upon us. For he has made known to us in all wisdom and insight the mystery of his will, according to his purpose which he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth." (see Ephesians 1:1-10)
Mystery of the day: Luminous Table
Celebration of the day: St. Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr
(+107). He was the successor to St Peter as Bishop of Antioch . He suffered martyrdom in during the persecution of Trajan. On his way to the , he wrote seven letters concerning the Person of Christ, the constitution of the Church, and Christian life. In these letters, he expressed his great love for the Lord and his ardent desire for martyrdom. His name is in the Roman Canon.
Table of the Word: I R.: Ephesians 1:1-10
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 98:1.2-3ab.3cd-4.5-6 (R. 2a)
Verse before the Gospel: John 14:6
Gospel: Luke 11:47-54
Inspiration:
Beloved in Christ, greetings in the name of our Lord whose power goes beyond every other power. Today, we join the Universal Church to celebrate the martyrdom of St. Ignatius of Antioch whose works and examplary life bear witness to the gospel values.
It is in the light of this, that we are to reflect on the theme: "Redemption through Him". In the course of today's liturgy of the words, the first reading called to mind the source of our redemption which is in Christ Jesus (cf. Ephesians 1:7-10); while the gospel pericope on the other way round puts before us the need to live out the gospel values in our various life situations and callings, that is creating room for others to see Jesus in our various call to service (cf. Luke 11:47-54)
However, it is through the precious blood of our Lord that our redemption came to be, forgiveness of our sins as well as the lavishness of grace upon grace on us as His beloved. And with His paschal mysteries of passion, death and resurrection that God's will upon humanity has been made known; and then humanity is being reconciled with Divinity.
It is therefore a call to our consciousness that we were bought with the blood of the Lamb to serve as priests, kings and prophets by bearing witness to the truth in our various ways of endeavours.
In conclusion, as the psalmist says: "The lord has made known his salvation." (Psalm 98:2a); let us therefore be counted among those who have seen salvation of our God. Let us also Shout to the LORD, and break forth into joyous song, and sing out our praise in and out of the season. Peace be with you!
Let us pray
Almighty ever-living God, who adorn the sacred body of your Church with the confessions of holy Martyrs, grant, we pray, that, just as the glorious passion of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, which we celebrate today, brought him eternal splendour, so may it be for us unending protection. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
© The ARCHIVE 17102024
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