John Sehorn details Saint Ignatius’ insights related to the Eucharist in his article, “St. Ignatius of Antioch and the Eucharist”:

“Because it unites us to Christ who suffered and was raised, the Eucharist ‘is the medicine of immortality, the antidote we take in order not to die but to live forever in Jesus Christ’ (Ephesians 20.2). This ‘medicine,’ however, does not leave us untransformed, for in this case, the medicine is the Physician himself…To be united to the person of Jesus also means being united to his faithfulness and love toward both God and others. [Ignatius] identifies our faithfulness with ‘the flesh of the Lord’ and our love with ‘the blood of Jesus Christ’ (Trallians 8.1). The Eucharist enables us to love God and one another with Christ’s own fidelity and charity, which is the very content of salvation (Ephesians 14.1).”

In recovery, we grow into our true identity as sons and daughters of God by consuming His Body in the Eucharist as often as possible. We are further nourished by Scripture, the sacramental life, supportive sponsorship, and regularly attending 12-step fellowship meetings. Through our cooperation with God’s grace, “sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly,” we are brought into union with Him, our innermost being, and others from which true life in God springs forth. As Saint Ignatius tells us, we are transformed by “the medicine of immortality,” which is none other than Christ Himself.

Saint Ignatius of Antioch, pray for us!

Reflection Questions

• Do you perceive yourself as more of an orphan or a child of God? How has the recovery journey helped you grow in your identity as an adopted son or daughter of God?
• How has partaking of the Eucharist been transformational in your healing journey? Do you notice transformation happening quickly, slowly, or both?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Romans 4:1-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:1b-2, 5, 11
Gospel: Luke 12:1-7

Reflection by Talitha R.