Memorial of Saint Ignatius of Antioch, Bishop and Martyr

“I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before others the Son of Man will acknowledge before the angels of God. But whoever denies me before others will be denied before the angels of God.”

We are constantly given opportunities to acknowledge or deny Jesus before others. Every word we speak and work we perform reflects our hearts and whether they are with God or against Him. Hopefully, our speech echoes the message of the gospel and our actions mirror those Jesus undertook in his life. Of course we are not always perfect manifestations of God’s Love and Mercy, but even when we fall under the weight of our own crosses, we should imitate our Lord by standing up and continuing our journey towards Cavalry.

Do we acknowledge God before others? In what ways do we deny Him? How can we accept Him more faithfully and become better reflections of His Love, Mercy, and Grace?

O Lord, give us the strength and courage to acknowledge you now and forever.

Amen.