Ignatius, Bishop of Antioch in Syria, who lived from approximately 35 A.D. to 107 A.D., gave this advice to priests as he was on his way to Rome where he was thrown to the lions because of his Christian faith:
The Presbyters also should be compassionate,
merciful to all,
turning back those who have gone astray,
caring for all who are sick,
not neglecting the widow,
the orphan, or the poor,
but always taking thought
for what is good before both God and others,
abstaining from all anger, prejudice,
and unfair judgment,
avoiding all love of money,
not quick to believe a rumor against anyone,
not severe in judgment,
knowing that we are all in debt because of sin.
And so if we ask the Lord to forgive us,
And so if we ask the Lord to forgive us,
we ourselves also ought to forgive;
for we are before the eyes of the Lord and of God,
and everyone must appear
before the Judgment seat of Christ,
each rendering an account of himself.
And so we should serve as his slaves,
with reverential fear and all respect,
just as he commanded,
as did the apostles
who proclaimed the gospel to us
and the prophets who preached,
in advance, the coming of our Lord.
We should be zealous for what is good,
avoiding stumbling blocks,
false brothers,
and those wo carry
the name of the Lord in hypocrisy,
leading the empty-minded astray.
That is really good Biblical advice from someone who gave his life for the cause.
In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCoud
Founding Pastor
The Episcopal Church of Our Savior at Honey Creek
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