Polycarp, Bishop, Martyr Obligatory Memorial
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 49: 2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11
Alleluia: John 14: 6
Gospel: Mark 9: 38-40
First Reading: James 4: 13-17
13 But who art thou that judgest thy neighbour? Behold, now you that say: Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city, and there we will spend a year, and will traffic, and make our gain.
14 Whereas you know not what shall be on the morrow.
15 For what is your life? It is a vapour which appeareth for a little while, and afterwards shall vanish away. For that you should say: If the Lord will, and if we shall live, we will do this or that.
16 But now you rejoice in your arrogancies. All such rejoicing is wicked.
17 To him therefore who knoweth to do good, and doth it not, to him it is sin.
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 49: 2-3, 6-7, 8-10, 11
R. (Matthew 5:3) Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
2 Hear these things, all ye nations: give ear, all ye inhabitants of the world.
3 All you that are earthborn, and you sons of men: both rich and poor together.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
6 Why shall I fear in the evil day? the iniquity of my heel shall encompass me.
7 They that trust in their own strength, and glory in the multitude of their riches,
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
8 No brother can redeem, nor shall man redeem: he shall not give to God his ransom,
9 Nor the price of the redemption of his soul: and shall labour for ever,
10 And shall still live unto the end.
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
11 He shall not see destruction, when he shall see the wise dying: the senseless and the fool shall perish together: And they shall leave their riches to strangers:
R. Blessed are the poor in spirit; the Kingdom of heaven is theirs!
Alleluia: John 14: 6
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
6 I am the way and the truth and the life, says the Lord; no one comes to the Father except through me.
R. Alleluia, alleluia.
Gospel: Mark 9: 38-40
38 John answered him, saying: Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, who followeth not us, and we forbade him.
39 But Jesus said: Do not forbid him. For there is no man that doth a miracle in my name, and can soon speak ill of me.
40 For he that is not against you, is for you.
Reflection
Scripture draws us toward a humble dependence on God. We make plans, speak confidently about tomorrow, and can begin to measure life by success, possessions, or control. Yet our life is a passing breath, and riches cannot redeem the soul. The poor in spirit know that everything—time, ability, opportunity, and salvation—is received rather than possessed.
This humility also changes the way we regard others. The disciples wanted to stop a man who was casting out demons in Jesus’ name because he did not belong to their group. Jesus tells them not to forbid him: the work of God is not limited by our boundaries or claims. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life, so faithful discipleship means staying close to him rather than protecting our own importance. We can place our plans before the Lord with the words, “If the Lord wills,” and rejoice when grace bears fruit, even through people we did not expect. A humble heart leaves room for God to act.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, Way, Truth, and Life, free me from the pride that makes me rely on my plans, possessions, or reputation. Teach me to remember that my life is in your hands and that every good gift comes from you. Give me a poor and grateful heart, ready to say, “If the Lord wills.” Guard me from judging those who serve you differently from me. Help me recognize and encourage the good your grace is accomplishing, wherever it appears. May I follow you with humility, trust, and a generous spirit. Amen.
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