The Bishop

See that you all follow the Bishop, as Christ does the Father, and the presbyterium as you would the apostles; and reverence the deacons, as a command of God. Let no one do anything connected with the Church without the Bishop. Let that be considered a certain [βεβαια, "valid"] eucharist which is under the leadership of the Bishop, or one to whom he has entrusted it. Wherever the Bishop appears, there let the multitude of the people be; just as where Christ Jesus is, there is the catholic church. It is not permitted with the Bishop either to baptize or to celebrate an agape; but whatever he shall approve of, that is well-pleasing to God, so that everything that is done may be assured and certain [βέβαιον].

—St. Ignatius of Antioch, c. 111 AD, Letter to the Smyrneans 8

Ignatius was a bishop, apologist and architect of the Church. Ignatius’ writings are still read and studied in conjunction with the history and structure of the Church. The quote above is an often-cited endorsement of the Episcopate (bishops).

In our day, many think of bishops as administrators at the top of a hierarchy or bureaucracy. The view of the office has been diminished by consideration of mere practical function. Ignatius is saying something much bigger and more significant.

Ignatius is focused of the role of the bishop as a sign of apostolic ministry, deriving authority from Christ and dispensing authority throughout the orders of ministry, resident within the Church. Ignatius is concerned with structure and leadership, yes, but the quote from Ignatius has a strong sacramental component. Within our branch of the Church, bishops imbue the sacramental life of the Church with the apostolic authority Jesus entrusted the apostles.

Bishop Wolf will be with us Sunday. The Bishop will be with us as the principal of the diocese, but much more important, the Bishop will be with us as the embodiment of the apostolic ministry.