Friday, February 23rd
St. Polycarp
Jesus said to His Disciples, "…………Because My choice withdrew you from the world therefore the world hates you. Remember My choice words I said to you, 'a servant is not greater than his master,' If they persecuted Me they will persecute you too: if they kept My words they will keep yours as well."
John 15: 19,20

Yes, they opposed the very Word of the Father who came to give them life and light and liberation. The plotted to ensnare Him, they arrested, tried and tortured Him. And they put Him to cruel death. But the Father of love and compassion raised Him from the dead, not only because the Word of the Father could not be destroyed by death, but triumphantly to offer the fruits of His obedience and suffering for the salvation of the sons of men, even those who worked to destroy Him.

And as through the free-will offering of Myself in love I have both provided the means of salvation and offered Myself to the souls of those who seek My indwelling Presence, so I invite My beloved children to become My surrogate in suffering and My channel in love. Both are inextricably bound together in the lives of those who are progressing towards perfection. And the challenge which this presents to those who witness it in My committed ones produces hatred and hostility in those who are not prepared to react to the light and love which would bring them along the same way.

Pray for them in suffering love.