Saint of the day February 23, 2025

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 in Rome, he asked the aged Saint if he knew him. Yes, Saint Polycarp answered, I know you for the firstborn of Satan. These were the words of a Saint, most loving and most charitable, and especially 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 lit, but it did him no harm; therefore he was stabbed in 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! The Martyrdom of Polycarp is one of the oldest and most authentic accounts of martyrdom from the Early Church.

Reflection

If we love Jesus Christ, we shall love the Church and hate heresy, which divides His Mystical Body and destroys the souls for whom He died. Like Saint Polycarp, we shall maintain our constancy in the faith by the love of Jesus Christ, who is the Church's Founder and its last end.

Martyrdom like this takes incredible courage to endure. It requires that one prefers a wholehearted profession of faith in Christ over one’s earthly life. Though you might not be called to such a physical martyrdom, you are called to have Polycarp’s faith and courage. That courage will make you a martyr in spirit, and that faith will lift you to the heights of Heaven. Ponder your own depth of faith and courage today, and allow Polycarp’s witness to strengthen your resolve to become more like him.