I write to all the churches that I am fully prepared to die for God, if you do not prevent me in any way. However, I earnestly ask you not to be unnecessarily kind to me. Let wild beasts tear me apart, for in this way I can reach God's kingdom. I am God's wheat, and the teeth of wild animals will grind me down so that I may become the bread of Christ. (…)
If I ask you for help when I am with you, do not believe me. Rather, believe what I am writing to you now. I write to you as a living man who longs to die. My earthly feelings have already been crucified, and all the fire of passion within me has gone out. Only the fountain of living water within me calls: "Come to the Father!"
(Ignatius of Antioch /†107/, Letter to the Romans, 107)
