2/23/11 REMEMBERING ST. POLYCARP & WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN ;

2/23/11 cblog REMEMBERING ST. POLYCARP & WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CHRISTIAN ;   borromeo 12p m: "Today's gospel, ecum dialogue..if we take the name christian we mean anybody who believes in Jesus Christ..reinforced..if speak in name of christ..does deed in His name,,will not be contradictory..must be compassionate towards bros & sis...must pray for relig tolerance..a duty to speak out against injustice..name of christ to all ..great example st. polycarp, bishop...stood up for beliefs..poor marginalized...when he refused to renounce faith..he was killed..put in fire, which did not harm him so they stabbed him .."

Sir 4:11-19 "Wisdom breathes life into her children and admonishes those who seek her. He who loves her loves life those who seek her will be embraced by the Lord He who holds her fast inherits glory; wherever he dwells, the LORD bestows blessings Those who serve her serve the Holy One; those who love her the LORD loves. He who obeys her judges nations he who hearkens to her dwells in her inmost chambers. If one trusts her, he will possess her; his descendants too will inherit her. She walks with him as a stranger and at first she puts him to the test; Fear and dread she brings upon him and tries him with her discipline until she try him by her laws and trust his soul. Then she comes back to bring him happiness and reveal her secrets to them and she will heap upon him treasures of knowledge and an understanding of justice. But if he fails her, she will abandon him and deliver him into the hands of despoilers

Ps 119:165, 168, 171, 17 R. (165a) O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

reat peace have they who love your law. I long for your salvation, O LORD, and your law is my delight. R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law. Let my soul live to praise you, and may your ordinances help me. R. O Lord, great peace have they who love your law.

Mark 9.38-40
"John said to Jesus,“Teacher, we saw someone driving out demons in your name, and we tried to prevent him because he does not follow us.” Jesus replied, “Do not prevent him. There is no one who performs a mighty deed in my name who can at the same time speak ill of me. For whoever is not against us, is for us"