The Memorial of St Polycarp

Heb. 11:1-7, Mk 9:2-13. The real joy in our spiritual growth is to recognise that we are called to be sought by God. If we give room for such, we would grow to the level of faith that today's first reading speaks about. In many ways, belief in what cannot be seen is the first step. That is, a shift from an “understanding seeking faith" mentality to that of "faith seeking understanding". It is such faith that will give us a glimpse of the inner life of God. Thus, St Augustine affirms "our hearts are restless until they rest in God". We can begin to experience the love of God through our relationship with Jesus. God sought out Peter, James and John in a startling way in today's Gospel because of their closeness to Jesus.

The experience of the Transfiguration of Christ led to further questions from Peter, James and John, who were with Jesus on the mountain. However, they still had to struggle to understand why He predicted a violent death for Himself. In His death, we see the supreme moment of God’s intimate presence with us. Through the death of Christ, St Polycarp bears witness to the beliefs of the early Christians and the early stages of the development of the doctrine. He was martyred at Smyrna in about 155 by being burnt to death in a stadium. Polycarp is an important figure in the history of the Church because he was one of the earliest Christians whose writings still exist.

May the Lord grant us a lively faith animated by charity! Amen!! Good morning and happy weekend!!!