SAINT POLYCARP
Bishop, Martyr
(70-167)
Saint Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, was a disciple of Saint John. He
wrote to the Philippians, exhorting them to mutual love and to hatred
of heresy. When the apostate Marcion met Saint Polycarp at Rome, he
asked the aged Saint if he knew him. "Yes," Saint Polycarp answered,
"I know you for the first-born of Satan." These were the words of a
Saint, most loving and most charitable, and specially noted for his
compassion to sinners. He abhorred heresy, because he loved God and
man so well.
In 167 persecution broke out in Smyrna. When Polycarp heard that his
pursuers were at the door, he said, "The Will of God be done;" and
meeting them, he begged to be left alone for a little time, which he
spent in prayer for the Catholic Church throughout the world. He was
brought to Smyrna early on Holy Saturday; and as he entered, a voice
was heard from heaven, "Polycarp, be strong." When the proconsul
urged him to curse Christ and go free, Polycarp answered, "Eighty-six
years I have served Him, and He never did me wrong; how can I
blaspheme my King and Saviour?" When he threatened him with fire,
Polycarp told him this fire of his lasted but a short time, while the
fire prepared for the wicked lasted forever.
At the stake he thanked God aloud for letting him drink of Christ's
chalice. The fire was lighted, but it did him no harm; therefore he
was stabbed to the heart, and his dead body was burnt. "Then," say
the writers of his acts, "we took up the bones, more precious than
the richest jewels or gold, and deposited them in a fitting place, at
which may God grant us to assemble with joy, to celebrate the
birthday of the martyr to his life in heaven!"
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Lord, may everything we do begin with Your inspiration and continue
with Your help,
so that all our prayers and works may begin in You and by You be happily ended.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
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