Stand Like an Anvil
Stand firm, as does an anvil which is beaten. It is the part of a noble athlete to be wounded, and yet to conquer. And especially, we ought to bear all things for the sake of God, that [God] also may bear with us, and bring us into the kingdom. Add more and more to [your] diligence; run [your] race with increasing energy; weigh carefully the times.
While [you are] here, be a conqueror; for here is the course, and there are the crowns. Look for Christ, the Son of God; who was before time, yet appeared in time; who was invisible by nature, yet visible in the flesh; who was impalpable, and could not be touched, as being without a body, but for our sakes became such, might be touched and handled in the body; who was impassible as God, but became passible for our sakes as [a human]; and who in every kind of way suffered for our sakes.
—Saint Ignatius, Epistle to Polycarp
To follow Christ is to endure, to stand firm even when the blows come hard. Saint Ignatius calls us to a faith that does not flinch—like an anvil under the hammer. The noble athlete is not one who avoids wounds, but one who conquers through them. And we do this not for applause or comfort, but for the sake of God, who Himself bore all things for us and now calls us into His kingdom. Christ, who was beyond time, stepped into time. He who could not be touched made Himself flesh so we could reach for Him. He who could not suffer chose suffering—for you, for me. This is the one we follow, and this is the race we run. So add to your diligence. Stay in the fight. Hold fast when the trials come. The course is now—but the crowns await. Look for Christ. He ran this race first. And He stands ready to crown the faithful. —DH
—David Hoskins, Founder & Care Guide, Sanctuary Clinics