The Transfer of the Relics of the Great-Martyr Ignatius the God-bearer.
James 3:11-4:6; Mark 11:23-26.
Read James 3:11-4:6
St. James reminds us of the incompatibility between friendship with the world and a life devoted to God: “Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4). This powerful statement calls Christians to reject the fleeting pleasures and priorities of worldly life and instead seek intimacy with God, aligning our hearts with His will.
St. Ignatius of Antioch, the Great-Martyr and God-bearer, embodied this teaching through his life and martyrdom. Facing martyrdom under Emperor Trajan, he joyfully embraced suffering, proclaiming, “I am God’s wheat, and I am ground by the teeth of beasts that I may be found pure bread.” His willingness to abandon earthly security and embrace Christ’s call to sacrifice illustrates the profound truth of James’ words: that true faith demands rejecting worldly attachments.
Today we commemorate the transfer of St. Ignatius’ relics to Antioch after his martyrdom. This symbolizes the eternal fruit and victory of his spiritual fidelity. While the world sought to destroy him, his attachment to Christ bore the fruit of victory over death, darkness and the devil.
As we reflect on St. James’ warning and St. Ignatius’ example, we are reminded that we are called to cultivate a deeper friendship with God while rejecting friendship with the world. By refusing worldly compromises and surrendering ourselves wholly to Christ, we align with the Kingdom, eternal life and the glory that comes with it. While not all of us are called to martyrdom, like St. Ignatius, for the sake of the Gospel, we are all called to detach ourselves from the world and attach our lives to Christ.