FEBRUARY 23 SAINT POLYCARP

FEBRUARY 23

536 SAINT POLYCARP, BISHOP AND MARTYR
MEMORIAL

CCC Cross Reference:
Jn 15:19-20 675; Jn 15:20 530, 765

From the Common of Martyrs, p. 1782, or the Common of Pastors, p. 1805,

OR

FIRST READING
Revelation 2:8-11

"To the angel of the Church in Smyrna, write this:

'"The first and the last, who once died but came to life, says this:
"I know your tribulation and poverty, but you are rich.
I know the slander of those who claim to be Jews and are not,
but rather are members of the assembly of Satan.
Do not be afraid of anything that you are going to suffer.
Indeed, the Devil will throw some of you into prison,
that you may be tested,
and you will face an ordeal for ten days.
Remain faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life.

'""Whoever has ears ought to hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
The victor shall not be harmed by the second death."'"


RESPONSORIAL PSALM
Psalm 31:3cd-4, 6 and 8ab, 16bc and 17

R. (6) Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge,
a stronghold to give me safety.
You are my rock and my fortress;
for your name's sake you will lead and guide me.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;
you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.
I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors,
Let your face shine upon your servant;
save me in yonr kindness.
R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.


GOSPEL
John 15:18-21

Jesus said to his disciples:
"If the world hates you, realize that it hated me first.
If you belonged to the world, the world would love its own;
but because you do not belong to the world,
and I have chosen you out of the world,
the world hates you.
Remember the word I spoke to you,
'No slave is greater than his master.'
If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you.
If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.
And they will do all these things to you on account of my name,
because they do not know the one who sent me."

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