Readings
I - Jas. 4: 13-17
II - Mk. 9: 38-40
St. Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr (Memorial)
STAND FOR THE LORD
There are two ways of following Christ: One, explicit following and two, implicit following. It is obvious that the disciples were following Jesus explicitly, accompanying him wherever he went and accomplishing all that he commanded. But the ‘someone’ in the Gospel passage of the day was not accompanying Jesus all the time but was accomplishing the command of Jesus in His name. Therefore he must have been very much for Jesus as he has said.
In India, the percentage of Christian population comparatively is very low but quite majority of them do accept Jesus and; their testimonies, witnesses and demonstrations on the social network media can vouch for the same. Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Polycarp. He was the disciple of St. John, bishop of Smyrna and a great defender of faith. He was martyred for his faith in Jesus Christ. May this saint bless us to stand sturdy in our faith at all times fearing no one and nothing. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus give us the courage to follow you in all circumstances”
