Friday - St. Ignatius of Antioch

Gospel – Luke 12:1-7

Many Sparrows!

Autumn Migration, Heiskell TN

 

Take a good look at today’s picture!  A very close look!  Do you see all those little black specks on the grass?  Those are all birds, grackles actually, not just a couple dozen but hundreds and hundreds of them stopping to rest and grab a bite to re-energize on their journey south.  And then in one huge black cloud, they took off on their annual migration.  It is an awesome sight!  At last count, Ginger and I have logged in over 30 different species of birds down here in Tennessee.  And now that autumn is here, I expect not only the variety but the sheer numbers of birds to increase exponentially!

We celebrate today the Feast of St. Ignatius, Bishop and Martyr.  He was the 3rd Bishop of Antioch after St. Peter.  Even after he was arrested and then transported to Rome for execution, he was greeted by many of the faithful along the journey and he continued to keep the faith by writing letters of encouragement emphasizing unity and the humanity/divinity of Jesus.

He serves as an example of Jesus’ words today in the Gospel.  Do not be afraid!  You are worth more than many sparrows!  Even in such dark times, Ignatius did not waver in his faith in God and he continued to spread the Word, even when he stood before his judge and executioner in Rome.

It is a good reminder to us all that, even in times of sickness and fear, times of economic worry and government shutdown, God will not abandon us.  He is there to support us, to comfort us, to sustain us.  Even when we feel at a loss for words when we seek to comfort others and ease their fears, God tells us not to worry!  The Holy Spirit will be with us to guide us and to teach us! 

Great Spirit, show me today how to live!  Give me the courage to do Your Will!

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