Letter to the Ephesians, 19, and Correspondence with Our Lady

Fantastic presentation Arthur! Thank you. And to Ovi, thank you for drawing our attention to the correspondence with Our Lady. I have some thoughts that I wasn't able to express to my own satisfaction regarding Chapter 19 of St. Ignatius's Epistle to the Ephesians. I wax philosophically. Forgive me.

The most profound piece in all of the Smyrnæan letters ... A great and beautiful sign; a symbol of the whole of the redemption; a stunning declaration of unrequited but unconquered love toward an adulteress.

Now the virginity of Mary was hidden from the prince of this world, as was also her offspring, and the death of the Lord; three mysteries of renown, which were wrought in silence by God. How, then, was He manifested to the world? A star shone forth in heaven above all the other stars, the light of which was inexpressible, while its novelty struck men with astonishment. And all the rest of the stars, with the sun and moon, formed a chorus to this star, and its light was exceedingly great above them all. And there was agitation felt as to whence this new spectacle came, so unlike to everything else [in the heavens]. Hence every kind of magic was destroyed, and every bond of wickedness disappeared; ignorance was removed, and the old kingdom abolished, God Himself being manifested in human form for the renewal of eternal life. And now that took a beginning which had been prepared by God. Henceforth all things were in a state of tumult, because He meditated the abolition of death. (to the Ephesians, 19)

Miklos Rozsa’s majestic score for Ben Hur is heard.

St. Ignatius knew St. John, who cared for the Blessed Virgin as a son. If the (what are generally considered spurious) letters are believed, he corresponded with and perhaps knew the Virgin.

House of the Blessed Virgin, Ephesus

The Epistle of Ignatius to the Virgin Mary

Her friend Ignatius to the Christ-bearing Mary,

You ought to have comforted and consoled me who am a neophyte, and a disciple of your [beloved] John. For I have heard things wonderful to tell respecting your [son] Jesus, and I am astonished by such a report. But I desire with my whole heart to obtain information concerning the things which I have heard from you, who was always intimate and allied with Him, and who was acquainted with [all] His secrets. I have also written to you at another time, and have asked you concerning the same things. Fare well; and let the neophytes who are with me be comforted of you, and by you, and in you. Amen.

Reply of the Blessed Virgin to this Letter

The lowly handmaid of Christ Jesus to Ignatius, her beloved fellow disciple,

The things which you have heard and learned from John concerning Jesus are true. Believe them, cling to them, and hold fast the profession of that Christianity which you have embraced, and conform your habits and life to your profession. Now I will come in company with John to visit you, and those that are with you. Stand fast in the faith, and show yourself a man; nor let the fierceness of persecution move you, but let your spirit be strong and rejoice in God your Saviour. Amen.