"Redemptive Suffering" in Christianity's Earliest Writings

Being sick this past week has given me additional time to re-read Ignatius of Antioch's seven epistles (c.110 A.D.).  They are easy to locate online (free of charge). I have really profited from Dr. Kenneth Howell's new translation and commentary, Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna.  One of the elements I have found most intriguing in his analysis of Ignatius's epistles is the presence of what later theology terms redemptive suffering.  

By "redemptive suffering," I mean the belief that the sufferings God allows into our lives, when accepted and lived with trust in His love for us, participate in the sufferings of the Crucified; and the grace we receive to participate in Jesus' sufferings are of benefit not just to us, but the entire Body of Christ.  In the past I shared my conviction that this belief is found in the writings of St. Paul and witnessed to both in our Eucharistic belief and our Blessed Mother's earthly life.  

Dr. Howell helps us follow this thread from Paul through the Church's earliest days.  Chapter two of his book is devoted to Ignatius's theology of martyrdom.  I have read two other translations of Ignatius's epistles, but no one before Dr. Howell pointed out the literal translation of Ignatius's Greek term, antipsuchon - "substitute soul."  To put it in context, here is Ignatius's usage in his epistles to the Smyrneans and Polycarp, respectively:  "My spirit and my bonds are your substitute soul"; "I and my bonds that you love are your substitute soul in every way."  Listen to Dr. Howell's commentary here, "[Ignaitus's] sharing in the passion of Christ serves to advance the spiritual welfare of those to whom he writes since he is their 'substitute soul' (antipuschon).  Since in his mind Ignatius's martyrdom began while still in chains, he is conscious that it is for more than his own salvation" (p.13-14).

I should also note how Ignatius witnessed to a "give-and-take" within the Communion of Saints, with all grace flowing from Christ Jesus, "Now pray for me as I need the love [emanating] from you in the mercy of God to make me worthy of the lot which I am set to obtain.  Pray that I may not be found unapproved."  And this truth extends beyond earth into the life of heaven, "My spirit makes you pure not only now but also when I attain to God" (Epistle to Polycarp).  

St. Ignatius of Antioch, participant in the sufferings of Christ on behalf of the Church (Col.1:24), pray for us!

Next (Radio) Book Club Selection - Read the ORIGINAL St. Ignatius

No disrespect to the founder of the Jesuits, St. Ignatius of Loyola, but martyred in 110 A.D., Ignatius of Antioch is the original Saint Ignatius. 

The second bishop of Antioch after Peter's departure from that city, Ignatius provides us with tremendous insight into the life of the early Church.  The man heard the Apostle John preach the Gospel!  While being transported from Antioch to Rome, where he was to be fed to the lions, Ignatius penned seven epistles.  Dr. Kevin Vost and I invite you to read Ignatius' epistles as we pass through the holiest time in the Church's year, and then call in to share your thoughts with other listeners on Saturday, April 6th, on EWTN Radio's "St. Joseph Radio Presents ..."  Ignatius' epistles are available online free of charge (click here for text, or here to download audio files).

In Ignatius' seven epistles you will:

• Discover a saint who wanted to share the sufferings of Christ
• Find the first written reference to Christ's Church as "the Catholic Church."
• Find testimony to our belief in Jesus' full humanity and divinity
• Read of the absolute centrality of the Eucharist in Christian life
• See clear teaching on Christ's Real Presence in the Eucharist
• Hear repeated testimony to the Church's ministerial structure of Bishop - Priest - Deacon
• Read historical testimony of Peter and Paul's leadership of the Roman Church
• Garner exciting testimony to the preeminent place held by the Church of Rome in the earliest days of Church

I recently ordered Dr. Kenneth Howell's Ignatius of Antioch & Polycarp of Smyrna, a brand new translation and commentary for the writings of these two early bishops and martyrs.  I can't wait to dig into it!