+ St. Polycarp of Smyrna was a disciple of St. John the
Apostle who converted him. He was also friend of St. Ignatius of Antioch. He
fought against Gnosticism which stated that it was only necessary to know God in order to gain heaven. He
became Bishop of Smyrna (in modern day Turkey). He was a revered Christian
leader during the first half of the second century. The Asia Minor churches
recognized Polycarp’s leadership and chose him representative to Pope Anicetus
on the question of the date of the Easter celebration. Only one of the many
letters written by Polycarp has survived, the one he wrote to the Church of
Philippi, Macedonia. At age 86 Polycarp was to be burned alive in the stadium
in Smyrna, but the flames did not harm him and he was finally killed by a
dagger, and his body burned. The Acts of Polycarp’s martyrdom are the earliest
preserved reliable account of a Christian martyr’s death! He is considered an
Apostolic Father.
The warning of the angel to
the Church in Smyrna, from the Book of Revelation of the first reading, tells
of tribulation and trials that the devil
will inflict on the chosen ones so that they may attain to the crown of life.
It tells that the death of the body is
nothing to be concerned about; but only the second death in which eternal
placement is assigned. This is where the Christian needs to be victorious.
The gospel passage certainly
speaks of ill-treatment that is the lot of the disciple of Christ: no slave is greater than his master: they persecuted
me, they will persecute you; they did not keep my words, except for some, they
will not keep your words, except for some. But do not worry: your reward truly
will be great in heaven.
May we be faithful disciple of
Christ this day, in a country that needs the witness of those bearing truth,
and goodness, and justice and peace is desperately needed! – as we pray that
our nation is kept safe from encroaching tyranny. St. Polycarp, pray for us.
Into
your hands, O Lord, we
commend our spirits.
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