Wednesday of 7th Week in Ordinary Time
POLYCARP OF SMYRNA
St Polycarp of Smyrna was a disciple of John the Evangelist and one of the most renowned of the early bishops of Asia. He died a martyr at the age of 86, offering his death as a eucharist of thanksgiving. He declared to his judges: “How could I become disloyal to my King, to whom I owe my salvation?” He is venerated both in the East and in the West. Let us celebrate his and our faithfulness.
First Reading : Jas 4: 13-17
And now I have a word for you who brashly announce, “Today—at the latest, tomorrow—we’re off to such and such a city for the year. We’re going to start a business and make a lot of money.” You don’t know the first thing about tomorrow. You’re nothing but a wisp of fog, catching a brief bit of sun before disappearing. Instead, make it a habit to say, “If the Master wills it and we’re still alive, we’ll do this or that.” As it is, you are full of your grandiose selves. All such vaunting self-importance is evil. In fact, if you know the right thing to do and don’t do it, that, for you, is evil.
Gospel : Mk 9:38-41
John spoke up, “Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn’t in our group.” Jesus wasn’t pleased. “Don’t stop him. No one can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath slam me. If he’s not an enemy, he’s an ally. Why, anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it that God will notice.
Opening Prayer
“True God in whom there is no lie,”
we admire St Polycarp and we thank you
for the example of his deep faith and courage.
Like him, may we live our life
as a sacrifice that pleases you.
Help us to face with him
contradictions and difficulties in life
with great serenity and trust in you.
Keep us always faithful to you
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Video available at: bibleclaret.org