February 23
St. Polycarp
St. Polycarp was born in the first century between the years 75 and 80. He was a disciple of St. John, one of the original 12 apostles. He loved Jesus and all that John taught him and for many years, he shared these teachings with the people in Smyrna in Turkey where he was priest and then Bishop.
The early Christians there suffered greatly at the hands of Marcus Aurelius, the emperor of Rome. Someone turned Polycarp into the authorities because of his teachings and he was taken into custody. A judge tried to convince Polycarp, who had grown old, to save himself and denounce his beliefs. Polycarp was stunned that anyone could think he could do this. After all Jesus had given everything, including his life and all the ridicule and torment that he endured without asking for anything in return and yet he offered the faithful eternal life. How could St. Polcarp renounce his savior?
St. Polycarp was taken to the place of execution where he was to be burned. His hands were tied behind his back and the fire was lit but St. Polycarp did not burn. Then a soldier threw a lance through his heart and the saint died in the year 155. He went to live with his Divine Savior forever.
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