Incline your ear to me; make haste to rescue me! Be my rock of refuge, a stronghold to save me. For you are my rock and my fortress; for your name’s sake lead me and guide me. Free me from the net they have set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commend my spirit; you will redeem me, LORD, God of truth.
Psalm 31:3-6
There is a sense of pride among people regarding who they learned something from. For instance, if you were trained by a master carpenter, you let others know that. Or perhaps if you had a prominent professor in college, that is information that you like to share. Even in sports, we consider it a big deal if so and so was coached by a “quarterback whisperer.” Imagine then being the student of an Apostle—imagine being St. Polycarp. What privileges and pride would St. Polycarp had received, the accolades which would have been bestowed upon him! Lest we think that these accolades were material glory and worldly comfort, it is good for you to know that Polycarp died in the arena, his blood becoming the seed of Christians. A bad thing happened to a good man.
The prayer St. Polycarp spoke while being tied up before being burned is a beautiful prayer for you and me to reflect upon today:
"Lord God Almighty, Father of your beloved and blessed Son Jesus Christ, through whom we have received the knowledge of you, God of angels and powers, of the whole creation and of the whole race of the righteous who live in your sight, I bless you, for having made me worthy of this day and hour, I bless you, because I may have a part, along with the martyrs, in the chalice of your Christ, to resurrection in eternal life, resurrection both of soul and body in the incorruptibility of the Holy Spirit. May I be received today, as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, among those who are in your presence, as you have prepared and foretold and fulfilled, God who is faithful and true. For this and for all benefits I praise you, I bless you, I glorify you, through the eternal and heavenly High Priest, Jesus Christ, your beloved Son, through whom be to you with him and the Holy Spirit glory, now and for all the ages to come. Amen."
Today’s Reflection is by:
Fr. Chuck Dornquast
Did you know...
Fr. Chuck Dornquast is a son of St. Joseph Parish in Zephyrhills. After graduating from Zephyrhills High School he entered the seminary where he would spend the next 9 years. While in seminary he spent time at many of our diocesan parishes and discovered more and more the heart of Christ the High Priest within him. After ordination, he spent his first 4 years of priesthood as the associate pastor of St. Lawrence in Tampa. He currently serves the Diocese of St. Petersburg as the Director of Vocations.
