Polycarp, A Living Mass

Today is the memorial of St. Polycarp, bishop of Smyrna and martyr. He was a second generation bishop, who had the voice of the apostles still 'ringing in his ears.'

Polycarp was a friend of that other fiery saint, Ignatius of Antioch; and ancient tradition tells us that Ignatius was the little child Jesus held in Mark 9:33-37 while answering the disciples' question about the greatest in the kingdom of God.

To read their works, or works about them, is like drinking from the overflow of the New Testament. That ink they used to write must have been liquid fire, for to read them is to feel the energy of that first generation of witnesses to God-in-the-flesh.

To taste of this energy I need only recall Ignatius' words about his own impending martyrdom: “I am the wheat of God. Let me be ground by the teeth of the wild beasts, that I may be found the pure bread of Christ.”

A living Mass; just like his compadre, Polycarp.

You can read, or listen to Polycarp's martyrdom account.

And Ignatius' letter to him.

St. Polycarp, pray for us!