Tuesday, February 23rd
St. Polycarp
Apocalypse 3:8-11. John 15:18-21

It is not the Father’s will that there should be suffering in His world, yet nothing happens unless He wills or allows. The Son of Man has challenged the tyranny and power of sin and through His suffering and death has defeated it; and all identifying with My life, My suffering and My death are given My risen life to follow Me as they are led and guided by Our Holy Spirit.

The way was through Gethsemane and Golgotha and I suffer now in the Father’s world . Suffering is redemptive when it is offered to the Father’s will and loving purpose. I have come into the Father’s world that all might have life and have it in abundance, and I am with the faithful in Our redeeming, sanctifying love through time and in eternity. It is written ‘only be faithful till death and I will give you the crown of life’.