Letters of Ignatius 60

1The ruler of this world wants to tear me to pieces and corrupt my mind toward God. Therefore, let none of you who are near help him. Instead, stand on my side—that is, on God’s side. Do not speak of Jesus Christ while also desiring the world. Do not let envy make its home in you.

2Even if I myself, when I am with you, should plead with you, do not obey me. Instead, believe what I am writing to you. [For] I write to you while still alive, yet longing for death. My desire has been crucified, and there is no fire of material longing in me. There is only living water, speaking within me and saying, “Come to the Father.”

3I take no delight in the food of corruption or in the pleasures of this life. I desire the bread of God, which is the flesh of Christ, who was from the seed of David; and as my drink I desire his blood, which is incorruptible love.