Churches of the Day
Pictorial Thought for Today
Feb 23 - St Polycarp - c69-155Ad
Summary: St Polycarp, bishop, martyr. Born about the year 69; died on this day about 155 at Smyrna (Turkey), where he had been the beloved and respected bishop. A disciple of Saint John the apostle, who wrote to the Philippians to strengthen their faith and to defend the Church against heresy. Noted for his fearless acknowledgment of Christ, and honoured as one of the apostolic fathers of the Church.
Polycarp is known to later generations primarily through the account of his martyrdom, rather than by a formal biography. However, it can be determined from that account that he was born around the year 69 AD. From the testimony he gave to his persecutors – stating he had served Christ for 86 years – it is clear that he was either raised as a Christian, or became one in his youth. Growing up among the Greek-speaking Christians of the Roman Empire, Polycarp received the teachings and recollections of individuals who had seen and known Jesus during his earthly life. This important connection – between Jesus' first disciples and apostles and their respective students – served to protect the Catholic Church against the influence of heresy during its earliest days, particularly against early attempts to deny Jesus' bodily incarnation and full humanity.
Polycarp's most significant teacher, with whom he studied personally, was St. John – whose contributions to the Bible included not only the clearest indication of Jesus' eternal divinity, but also the strongest assertions of the human nature he assumed on behalf of mankind. By contrast, certain tendencies had already emerged among the first Christians – to deny the reality of Jesus' literal suffering, death, and resurrection, regarding them as mere "symbols" of highly abstract ideas.
Another great teacher of the second century, St. Irenaeus, wrote that Polycarp "was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ; but he was also appointed by them bishop of the Church in Smyrna."
In a surviving letter that he wrote to the Philippians, he reminded that Church – which had also received the teaching of St. Paul – not to surrender their faith to the "gnostic" teachers claiming to teach a more intellectually refined gospel. "For every one who shall not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is antichrist," he wrote – citing St. John himself – "and whosoever shall not confess the testimony of the Cross, is of the devil; and whosoever shall pervert the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts and say that there is neither resurrection nor judgment, that man is the firstborn of Satan."
"Let us therefore, without ceasing, hold fast by our hope and by the pledge of our righteousness," Polycarp taught – as he went on to explain that both hope and righteousness depended upon "Jesus Christ, who took up our sins in His own body upon the cross." With eloquence and clarity, he reminded the Philippian Church that Christ, "for our sakes, endured all things – so that we might live in him." However, Polycarp's most eloquent testimony to his faith in Jesus came not through his words, but through his martyrdom, described in another early Christian work. The Church of Smyrna, in present-day Turkey, compiled their recollections of their bishop's death at the hands of public authorities in a letter to another local church."
We have written to you, brethren, as to what relates to the martyrs, and especially to the blessed Polycarp" – who, in the words of the Catholics of Smyrna, "put an end to the persecution – having, as it were, set a seal upon it by his martyrdom."
Around the year 155, Polycarp became aware that government authorities were on the lookout for him, seeking to stamp out the Church's claim of obeying a higher authority than the Emperor. He retreated to a country house and occupied himself with constant prayer, before receiving a vision of his death that prompted him to inform his friends: "I must be burned alive." He changed locations, but was betrayed by a young man who knew his whereabouts and confessed under torture.
He was captured on a Saturday evening by two public officials, who urged him to submit to the state demands. "What harm is there," one asked, "in saying, 'Caesar is Lord,' and in sacrificing to him, with the other ceremonies observed on such occasions, so as to make sure of safety?"
"I shall not do as you advise me," he answered. Outraged by his response, the officials had him violently thrown from their chariot and taken to an arena for execution. Entering the stadium, the bishop – along with some of his companions, who survived to tell of it – heard a heavenly voice, saying:
"Be strong, and show yourself a man, O Polycarp!"
Before the crowd, the Roman proconsul demanded again that he worship the emperor. "Hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian," the bishop said. "And if you wish to learn what the doctrines of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and you shall hear them." "You threaten me with fire," he continued "which burns for an hour, and after a little is extinguished. But you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly." "But," he challenged the proconsul, "what are you waiting for? Bring forth what you will." Although the crowds clamoured for Polycarp to be devoured by beasts, it was decided he should be burned alive, just as he had prophesied. He prayed aloud to God:
"May I be accepted this day before you as an acceptable sacrifice -- just as you, the ever-truthful God, have foreordained, revealed beforehand to me, and now have fulfilled."
What happened next struck Polycarp's companions with amazement; they recorded the sight in the letter that they circulated after Polycarp's death. "As the flame blazed forth in great fury, "they wrote, "we to whom it was given to witness it, beheld a great miracle." The fire did not seem to touch the bishop's body. Rather, as they described, "shaping itself into the form of an arch, it encompassed – as by a circle – the body of the martyr.
And he appeared within not like flesh which is burnt, but as bread that is baked, or as gold and silver glowing in a furnace." "Moreover, we perceived such a sweet odour coming from the flames – as if frankincense or some such precious spices had been burning there."
The executioners perceived that Polycarp's death was not going as planned. Losing patience, they ordered him to be stabbed to death. From the resulting wound, "there came forth a dove, and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire was extinguished." The crowd, as the Christian witnesses recalled, were understandably amazed. "All the people marvelled," they wrote, "that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect." Polycarp, they proclaimed, had been among that elect – "having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna."
St. Polycarp has been venerated as a Saint since his death in 155.
__________________
~ Martin Luther ~
Polycarp is known to later generations primarily through the account of his martyrdom, rather than by a formal biography. However, it can be determined from that account that he was born around the year 69 AD. From the testimony he gave to his persecutors – stating he had served Christ for 86 years – it is clear that he was either raised as a Christian, or became one in his youth. Growing up among the Greek-speaking Christians of the Roman Empire, Polycarp received the teachings and recollections of individuals who had seen and known Jesus during his earthly life. This important connection – between Jesus' first disciples and apostles and their respective students – served to protect the Catholic Church against the influence of heresy during its earliest days, particularly against early attempts to deny Jesus' bodily incarnation and full humanity.Polycarp's most significant teacher, with whom he studied personally, was St. John – whose contributions to the Bible included not only the clearest indication of Jesus' eternal divinity, but also the strongest assertions of the human nature he assumed on behalf of mankind. By contrast, certain tendencies had already emerged among the first Christians – to deny the reality of Jesus' literal suffering, death, and resurrection, regarding them as mere "symbols" of highly abstract ideas.
Another great teacher of the second century, St. Irenaeus, wrote that Polycarp "was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ; but he was also appointed by them bishop of the Church in Smyrna."
In a surviving letter that he wrote to the Philippians, he reminded that Church – which had also received the teaching of St. Paul – not to surrender their faith to the "gnostic" teachers claiming to teach a more intellectually refined gospel. "For every one who shall not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is antichrist," he wrote – citing St. John himself – "and whosoever shall not confess the testimony of the Cross, is of the devil; and whosoever shall pervert the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts and say that there is neither resurrection nor judgment, that man is the firstborn of Satan."
"Let us therefore, without ceasing, hold fast by our hope and by the pledge of our righteousness," Polycarp taught – as he went on to explain that both hope and righteousness depended upon "Jesus Christ, who took up our sins in His own body upon the cross." With eloquence and clarity, he reminded the Philippian Church that Christ, "for our sakes, endured all things – so that we might live in him." However, Polycarp's most eloquent testimony to his faith in Jesus came not through his words, but through his martyrdom, described in another early Christian work. The Church of Smyrna, in present-day Turkey, compiled their recollections of their bishop's death at the hands of public authorities in a letter to another local church."
We have written to you, brethren, as to what relates to the martyrs, and especially to the blessed Polycarp" – who, in the words of the Catholics of Smyrna, "put an end to the persecution – having, as it were, set a seal upon it by his martyrdom."
Around the year 155, Polycarp became aware that government authorities were on the lookout for him, seeking to stamp out the Church's claim of obeying a higher authority than the Emperor. He retreated to a country house and occupied himself with constant prayer, before receiving a vision of his death that prompted him to inform his friends: "I must be burned alive." He changed locations, but was betrayed by a young man who knew his whereabouts and confessed under torture.
He was captured on a Saturday evening by two public officials, who urged him to submit to the state demands. "What harm is there," one asked, "in saying, 'Caesar is Lord,' and in sacrificing to him, with the other ceremonies observed on such occasions, so as to make sure of safety?"
"I shall not do as you advise me," he answered. Outraged by his response, the officials had him violently thrown from their chariot and taken to an arena for execution. Entering the stadium, the bishop – along with some of his companions, who survived to tell of it – heard a heavenly voice, saying:
"Be strong, and show yourself a man, O Polycarp!"
Before the crowd, the Roman proconsul demanded again that he worship the emperor. "Hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian," the bishop said. "And if you wish to learn what the doctrines of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and you shall hear them." "You threaten me with fire," he continued "which burns for an hour, and after a little is extinguished. But you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly." "But," he challenged the proconsul, "what are you waiting for? Bring forth what you will." Although the crowds clamoured for Polycarp to be devoured by beasts, it was decided he should be burned alive, just as he had prophesied. He prayed aloud to God:
"May I be accepted this day before you as an acceptable sacrifice -- just as you, the ever-truthful God, have foreordained, revealed beforehand to me, and now have fulfilled."
What happened next struck Polycarp's companions with amazement; they recorded the sight in the letter that they circulated after Polycarp's death. "As the flame blazed forth in great fury, "they wrote, "we to whom it was given to witness it, beheld a great miracle." The fire did not seem to touch the bishop's body. Rather, as they described, "shaping itself into the form of an arch, it encompassed – as by a circle – the body of the martyr.
And he appeared within not like flesh which is burnt, but as bread that is baked, or as gold and silver glowing in a furnace." "Moreover, we perceived such a sweet odour coming from the flames – as if frankincense or some such precious spices had been burning there."
The executioners perceived that Polycarp's death was not going as planned. Losing patience, they ordered him to be stabbed to death. From the resulting wound, "there came forth a dove, and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire was extinguished." The crowd, as the Christian witnesses recalled, were understandably amazed. "All the people marvelled," they wrote, "that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect." Polycarp, they proclaimed, had been among that elect – "having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna."
St. Polycarp has been venerated as a Saint since his death in 155.
__________________
******************************
Memorable Sayings for today
Everyone must do two things alone;
he/she must do their own believing and their own dying.
~ Martin Luther ~
**********************************
Liturgical Readings for: Monday, 23rd February, 2026
Monday of the First Week of Lent
The gospel reminds us that Jesus came to preach good news to the poor
Good works are essential for our proper observance of this season.
Saint of the day: Feb 23; St Polycarp, bishop, martyr
C/f A short life of this saint can be found below todays' Readings and Reflection.
FIRST READING
A reading from the book of Leviticus 19: 1-2, 11-18
You must pass judgement on your neighbour according to justice.
The Lord spoke to Moses; he said: 'Speak to the whole community of the sons of Israel and say to them: "Be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am holy.
You must not steal nor deal deceitfully or fraudulently with your
neighbour.You must not swear falsely by my name, profaning the name of your God. I am the Lord.
You must not exploit or rob your neighbour.
You must not keep back the labourer's wage until next morning.
You must not curse the dumb, nor put an obstacle in the blind man's way,
but you must fear your God. I am the Lord.
"You must not be guilty of unjust verdicts. You must neither be partial to the little man nor overawed by the great; you must pass judgement on your neighbour according to justice.
You must not slander your own people, and you must not jeopardise your neighbour's life. I am the Lord. You must not bear hatred for your brother in your heart.
You must openly tell him, your neighbour, of his offence; this way you will not take a sin upon yourself.
You must not exact vengeance, nor must you bear a grudge against the children of your people.
You must love your neighbour as yourself. I am the Lord.'"
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps. 18:8-10. 15
Response Your words are spirit, Lord, and they are life
1. The law of the Lord is perfect, it revives the soul.
The rule of the Lord is to be trusted, it gives wisdom to the simple. Response
2. The precepts of the Lord are right, they gladden the heart.
The command of the Lord is clear, it gives light to the eyes. Response
3. The fear of the Lord is holy, abiding for ever.
The decrees of the Lord are truth and all of them just. Response
4. May the spoken words of my mouth, the thoughts of my heart,
win favour in your sight, O Lord, my rescuer, my rock! Response
Gospel Acclamation Ezek 18:31
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!
Shake off all your sins - it is the Lord who speaks-
and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit.
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!
or 2 Cor 6:2
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!
Now is the favourable time; this is the day of salvation
Praise to you, O Christ, King of eternal glory!
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Matthew 25: 31-46 Glory to you, O Lord
In so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.
Jesus said to his disciples:
'When the Son of Man comes in his glory, escorted by all the angels, then he will take his seat on his throne of glory. All the nations will be assembled before him and he will separate men one from another as the shepherd separates sheep from goats.
He will place the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left.
Then the King will say to those on his right hand,
"Come, you whom my Father has blessed, take for your heritage the kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world.
For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you made me welcome; naked and you clothed me, sick and you visited me, in prison and you came to see me."
Then the virtuous will say to him in reply,
"Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give you drink?
When did we see you a stranger and make you welcome; naked and clothe you; sick or in prison and go to see you?"
And the King will answer,
"I tell you solemnly, in so far as you did this to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me."
Next he will say to those on his left hand,
"Go away from me, with your curse upon you, to the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you never gave me food; I was thirsty and you never gave me anything to drink; I was a stranger and you never made me welcome, naked and you never clothed me, sick and in prison and you never visited me."
Then it will be their turn to ask,
"Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty, a stranger or naked, sick or in prison, and did not come to your help?"
Then he will answer,
"I tell you solemnly, in so far as you neglected to do this to one of the least of these, you neglected to do it to me."
And they will go away to eternal punishment, and the virtuous to eternal life.'
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
*********************
Gospel Reflection Monday First Week of Lent, Matthew 25:31-46
In one of the beatitudes Jesus declares, ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy’. In today’s gospel reading, Jesus outlines what being merciful entails. It means standing with the most vulnerable and responding to their need for the basic necessities of life such as food, water, welcome, clothing, healing and companionship. We have here what has often been termed the six corporal works of mercy. A seventh has been added in the tradition of the church, burying the dead. These are the works of mercy that open us up to receive God’s mercy.
Jesus makes the striking statement that whenever we perform such works of mercy for someone, we are performing them for him, and whenever we fail to perform them for someone we fail to perform them for him. He identifies himself completely with those in greatest need. Jesus has both a special relationship with God, he is Emmanuel, God-with-us, and a special relationship with the most vulnerable. It is God, God-with-us, we meet in those whose great need calls out to us. Even the smallest act of service done for someone in need has enormous significance, because it is God we are engaging with. The here and the now is what matters, because so often the here is holy ground and the now is holy time, the place and the time where God meets us and calls out to us. We don’t have to search for ‘Sacred Space’; it is all around us.
____________________________
The Scripture Readings are taken from The Jerusalem Bible, published 1966 by Darton, Longman & Todd Ltd. and used with the permission of the publishers. http://dltbooks.com/
The Scripture Reflection is made available with our thanks from his book Reflections on the Weekday Readings The Word is near to you, on your lips and in your heart by Martin Hogan and published by Messenger Publications c/f www.messenger.ie/bookshop/
_________________________
Saint of the day: Feb 23; St Polycarp, bishop, martyr
Polycarp was born about the year 69; died on this day about 155 at Smyrna (Turkey), where he had been the beloved and respected bishop. A disciple of St John the apostle, who wrote to the Philippians to strengthen their faith and to defend the Church against heresy. Noted for his fearless acknowledgment of Christ, and honoured as one of the apostolic fathers of the Church.
Polycarp is known to later generations primarily through the account of his martyrdom, rather than by a formal biography. However, it can be determined from that account that he was born around the year 69 AD. From the testimony he gave to his persecutors – stating he had served Christ for 86 years – it is clear that he was either raised as a Christian, or became one in his youth. Growing up among the Greek-speaking Christians of the Roman Empire, Polycarp received the teachings and recollections of individuals who had seen and known Jesus during his earthly life. This important connection – between Jesus' first disciples and apostles and their respective students – served to protect the Catholic Church against the influence of heresy during its earliest days, particularly against early attempts to deny Jesus' bodily incarnation and and full humanity.Polycarp's most significant teacher, with whom he studied personally, was St. John – whose contributions to the Bible included not only the clearest indication of Jesus' eternal divinity, but also the strongest assertions of the human nature he assumed on behalf of mankind. By contrast, certain tendencies had already emerged among the first Christians – to deny the reality of Jesus' literal suffering, death, and resurrection, regarding them as mere "symbols" of highly abstract ideas.
Another great teacher of the second century, St. Irenaeus, wrote that Polycarp "was not only instructed by apostles, and conversed with many who had seen Christ; but he was also appointed by them bishop of the Church in Smyrna."
In a surviving letter that he wrote to the Philippians, he reminded that Church – which had also received the teaching of St. Paul – not to surrender their faith to the "gnostic" teachers claiming to teach a more intellectually refined gospel.
"For every one who shall not confess that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, is antichrist," he wrote – citing St. John himself – "and whosoever shall not confess the testimony of the Cross, is of the devil; and whosoever shall pervert the oracles of the Lord to his own lusts and say that there is neither resurrection nor judgment, that man is the firstborn of Satan."
"Let us therefore, without ceasing, hold fast by our hope and by the pledge of our righteousness," Polycarp taught – as he went on to explain that both hope and righteousness depended upon "Jesus Christ, who took up our sins in His own body upon the cross." With eloquence and clarity, he reminded the Philippian Church that Christ, "for our sakes, endured all things – so that we might live in him." However, Polycarp's most eloquent testimony to his faith in Jesus came not through his words, but through his martyrdom, described in another early Christian work. The Church of Smyrna, in present-day Turkey, compiled their recollections of their bishop's death at the hands of public authorities in a letter to another local church."
We have written to you, brethren, as to what relates to the martyrs, and especially to the blessed Polycarp" – who, in the words of the Catholics of Smyrna, "put an end to the persecution – having, as it were, set a seal upon it by his martyrdom."Around the year 155, Polycarp became aware that government authorities were on the lookout for him, seeking to stamp out the Church's claim of obeying a higher authority than the Emperor. He retreated to a country house and occupied himself with constant prayer, before receiving a vision of his death that prompted him to inform his friends: "I must be burned alive." He changed locations, but was betrayed by a young man who knew his whereabouts and confessed under torture.
He was captured on a Saturday evening by two public officials, who urged him to submit to the state demands. "What harm is there," one asked, "in saying, 'Caesar is Lord,' and in sacrificing to him, with the other ceremonies observed on such occasions, so as to make sure of safety?"
"I shall not do as you advise me," he answered. Outraged by his response, the officials had him violently thrown from their chariot and taken to an arena for execution. Entering the stadium, the bishop – along with some of his companions, who survived to tell of it – heard a heavenly voice, saying:"Be strong, and show yourself a man, O Polycarp!"
Before the crowd, the Roman proconsul demanded again that he worship the emperor. "Hear me declare with boldness, I am a Christian," the bishop said. "And if you wish to learn what the doctrines of Christianity are, appoint me a day, and you shall hear them." "You threaten me with fire," he continued "which burns for an hour, and after a little is extinguished. But you are ignorant of the fire of the coming judgment and of eternal punishment, reserved for the ungodly." "But," he challenged the proconsul, "what are you waiting for? Bring forth what you will."
Although the crowds clamoured for Polycarp to be devoured by beasts, it was decided he should be burned alive, just as he had prophesied. He prayed aloud to God: "May I be accepted this day before you as an acceptable sacrifice -- just as you, the ever-truthful God, have foreordained, revealed beforehand to me, and now have fulfilled."
What happened next struck Polycarp's companions with amazement; they recorded the sight in the letter that they circulated after Polycarp's death. "As the flame blazed forth in great fury, "they wrote, "we to whom it was given to witness it, beheld a great miracle." The fire did not seem to touch the bishop's body. Rather, as they described, "shaping itself into the form of an arch, it encompassed – as by a circle – the body of the martyr. And he appeared within not like flesh which is burnt, but as bread that is baked, or as gold and silver glowing in a furnace." "Moreover, we perceived such a sweet odour coming from the flames – as if frankincense or some such precious spices had been burning there."
The executioners perceived that Polycarp's death was not going as planned. Losing patience, they ordered him to be stabbed to death. From the resulting wound, "there came forth a dove, and a great quantity of blood, so that the fire was extinguished." The crowd, as the Christian witnesses recalled, were understandably amazed. "All the people marvelled," they wrote, "that there should be such a difference between the unbelievers and the elect." Polycarp, they proclaimed, had been among that elect – "having in our own times been an apostolic and prophetic teacher, and bishop of the Catholic Church which is in Smyrna."
St. Polycarp has been venerated as a saint since his death in 155.
******************************
Memorable Sayings for today
Everyone must do two things alone;
he/she must do their own believing and their own dying
~ Martin Luther ~
**********************************
*********
Liturgical Readings for: Monday, 23rd February, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHT Sliocht as an céad leabhar Léivític 19: 1-2, 11-18
Tabhair breith ar do chomharsa de réir na córa.
Labhair an Tiarna le Maois agus dúirt:
“Labhair le comhthionól chlann Iosrael go léir agus abair leo:
Bigí naofa, óir táimse, an Tiarna bhur nDia, naofa.
"Ná déanaigí goid ná calaois ná feall ar bhur gcomharsa.Ná tugaigí leabhar éithigh dar m’ainm agus ainm do Dhé a thruailliú. Mise an Tiarna. Ná déan leatrom ná slad ar do chomharsa.
Ná coinnigh tuarastal an fhostaí thar oíche go maidin.
Ná cuir mallacht ar an mbalbhán, ná ceap tuisle ar chosán an daill,
ach bíodh eagla do Dhé ort. Mise an Tiarna.
"Ná déanaigí éagóir i mbreithiúnas;
ná bíodh lé agat leis an mbocht, ná uamhan ort roimh an gcumhachtach; ach tabhair breith ar do chomharsa de réir na córa.
Ná bí ag gabháil timpeall ag cúlchaint ar do mhuintir féin, agus ná téigh i bhfiontar le hanam do chomharsan.
Mise an Tiarna.
Ná bíodh fuath agat i do chroí do do chomharsa, ach déan a choir a chur ar a shúile dó os ard; fágfaidh sin thú gan peaca a ghabháil ort féin.
Ná bain díoltas amach; ná bíodh faltanas agat le clann do dhaoine muinteartha.
Ní foláir duit grá a thabhairt do do chomharsa mar thú féin.
Mise an Tiarna.
Seo mar a deir an Tiarna."
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 18:8-10, 15
Freagra Na focail atá ráite agat, a Thiarna, is spiorad agus is beatha iad.
Tá dlí an Tiarna gan cháim: athbheonn sé an t-anam
Is iontaofa í fianaise an Tiarna, a thugann eagna don fhíréan. Freagra
2. Is díreach iad forálacha an Tiarna: cuirid áthas ar an gcroí;
is glan í aithne an Tiarna, soilsíonn sí na súile. Freagra
3 Is íon í eagla an Tiarna, maireann sí go deo;
is fíor iad reachtanna an Tiarna, táid uile go cóir. Freagra
4. Go raibh briathra uile mo bhéil agus smaointe mo chroí
taitneamhach leatsa, a Thiarna, a charraig liom, is a shlánaitheoir. Freagra
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as an Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Matha 25: 31-46 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Sa mhéid go ndearna sibh é do dhuine den chuid is lú de na bráithre seo agamsa, is domsa a rinne sibh é.
San am sin dúirt Íosa lena dheisceabail:“Nuair a thiocfaidh Mac an Duine ina ghlóir agus na haingil uile in éineacht leis, rachaidh sé ina shuí an uair sin i ríchathaoir a ghlóire.Beidh na náisiúin uile cruinnithe os a chomhair, agus déanfaidh sé na daoine a scaradh ó chéile, mar a scarann an t-aoire na caoirigh ó na gabhair. Cuirfidh sé na caoirigh ar a láimh dheis agus na gabhair ar a láimh chlé.
Ansin déarfaidh an rí le lucht na láimhe deise:
‘Tagaigí, a lucht bheannaithe m’Athar, glacaigí mar oidhreacht an ríocht a ullmhaíodh daoibh ó thúsú an domhain. Óir bhí ocras orm agus thug sibh rud le hithe dom, bhí tart orm agus thug sibh rud le hól dom, bhí mé i mo strainséir agus thug sibh aíocht dom, bhí mé nocht agus chuir sibh éadach orm, bhí mé tinn agus tháinig sibh do m’fheiceáil, bhí mé i bpríosún agus thug sibh cuairt orm.’
Freagróidh na fíréin é ansin:
‘AThiarna, cén uair a chonaiceamar thú agus ocras ort go dtabharfaimis bia duit, nó tart ort go dtabharfaimis deoch duit? Cén uair a chonaiceamar i do strainséir thú go dtabharfaimis aíocht duit, nó nocht go gcuirfimis éadach ort? Nó cén uair a chonaiceamar tinn thú, nó i bpríosún, go dtabharfaimis cuairt ort?’
Agus déarfaidh an rí á bhfreagairt:
‘Deirim libh go fírinneach, sa mhéid go ndearna sibh é do dhuine den chuid is lú de na bráithre seo agamsa,
is domsa a rinne sibh é.’
Ansin déarfaidh sé le lucht na láimhe clé ar a seal:
‘Imígí uaim, a dhream mhallaithe, isteach sa tine shíoraí a ullmhaíodh don diabhal agus dá chuid aingeal. Óir bhí ocras orm agus níor thug sibh aon rud le hithe dom, bhí tart orm agus níor thug sibh aon rud le hól dom, bhí mé i mo strainséir agus níor thug sibh aíocht dom, bhí mé nocht agus níor chuir sibh aon éadach orm, bhí mé tinn agus i bpríosún agus níor tháinig sibh do m’fheiceáil.’
Agus freagróidh siad sin é ansin:
‘A Thiarna, cén uair a bhí tú le feiceáil againn agus ocras nó tart ort, nó i do strainséir, nó nocht nó tinn
nó i bpríosún agus nach ndearnamar freastal ort?’
Ansin freagróidh sé iad:
‘Deirim libh go fírinneach, sa mhéid nach ndearna sibh é do dhuine den chuid is lú díobh seo, ní dhearna sibh domsa é ach oiread.’
Agus imeoidh siad leo, iad seo isteach i bpionós síoraí, ach na fíréin i mbeatha shíoraí."
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 1st March, 2026
Second Sunday of Lent, Year A
Lent brings us into the heart of the Paschal Mystery. The selected disciples are brought to the mountain top where they are given a vision of a transfigured Jesus talking with prophets Moses and Elijah about his upcoming death and resurrection.
Saint of the Day: March 1st; St David, abbot and bishop, and patron saint of Wales,
C/f A short life of this saint can be found below todays' Readings and Reflection.
FIRST READING
A reading from the Book of Genesis 12:1-4
The call of Abraham, father of the people of God.
The Lord said to Abram,
'Leave your country, your family and your father's house, for the land I will show you.
I will make you a great nation;
I will bless you and make your name so famous that it will be used as a blessing.
I will curse those who slight you.
'I will bless those who bless you:
All the tribes of the earth shall bless themselves by you.'
So Abram went as the Lord told him, and Lot went with him.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Responsorial Psalm Ps 33: 4-5, 18-20. 22.R/v 22
Response May your love be upon us, O Lord, as we place all our hope in you.
l. The word of the Lord is faithful and all his works to be trusted.
The Lord loves justice and right and fills the earth with his love. Response
2. The Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love,
to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. Response
3. Our soul is waiting for the Lord. The Lord is our help and our shield,
May your love be upon us, 0 Lord, as we place all our hope in you. Response
SECOND READING
A reading from the second letter of St Paul to Timothy 1:8-10
God calls and enlightens us.
With me, bear the hardships for the sake of the Good News, relying on the power of God who has saved us and called us to be holy - not because of anything we ourselves have done but for his own purpose and by his own grace.
This grace had already been granted to us, in Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time, but it has only been revealed by the Appearing of our saviour Christ Jesus. He abolished death, and he has proclaimed life and immortality through the Good News.
The Word of the Lord Thanks be to God.
Gospel Acclamation Mt 17:5
Glory and praise to you, O Christ !
From the bright cloud the Father's voice was heard '
This is my Son, the Beloved. Listen t0 him.'
Glory and praise to you, O Christ !
GOSPEL
The Lord be with you. And with your spirit
A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew 17:1-9
His face shone like the sun.
Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain where they could be alone. There in their presence he was transfigured: his face shone like the sun and his clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared to them; they were talking with him. Then Peter spoke to Jesus.'Lord,' he said 'it is wonderful for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three tents here, one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.'
He was still speaking when suddenly a bright cloud covered them with shadow, and from the cloud there came a voice which said,
'This is my Son, the Beloved; he enjoys my favour. Listen to him.'
When they heard this the disciples fell on their faces overcome with fear.
But Jesus came up and touched them. 'Stand up,' he said 'do not be afraid.'
And when they raised their eyes they saw no one but only Jesus.
As they came down from the mountain Jesus gave them this order.
"Tell no one about this vision until the Son of Man has risen from the dead."
The Gospel of the Lord Praise to you, Lord Jesus Christ.
________________
For homily resources for this Sunday's Gospel click here: https://www.catholicireland.net/sunday-homily/
Taken from THE JERUSALEM BIBLE, published 1966, by Darton, Longman and Todd Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House Inc, and used by permission of the publishers.
Saint of the Day: March 1st; St David, abbot and bishop, and patron saint of Wales.
St David, abbot and bishop in the sixth century. He is reputed to have founded a number of monasteries, of strict regime.
Patrick Duffy presents the traditions about David
St David is patron of Wales, where he was abbot and bishop. Several Irish saints were his pupils and he seemed to influenced monastic development in Ireland.Accounts of David's life are scarce and based on oral tradition and a 'Life' written by Rhygyfarch (11th century bishop of St David's) at a time when the Norman bishop of Canterbury Lanfranc was trying to impose Roman dedications on churches in England and Wales. Rhygyfarch was keen to impress on the recently arrived leaders the importance of the Welsh saint and was not above a little exaggeration.
Family
The tradition is that David was born at Henvynyw (Vetus-Menevia) in Cardiganshire, and that his father was a prince called Sant who violated David's mother, a nun. Norman bishop Rhygyfarch, who lived from 1057-1099 and wrote a 'Life of David' in Latin to impress the Normans, called him Sant 'holy' (sanctus by name and by merit). David is said to have been baptised by Ailbe, 'a bishop of the Munstermen', who is known to have been in Wales about that time.
At Monastic School
David studied at the local monastic school and after he was ordained priest, he went to study under Paulinus of Wales near the Brecon Beacons. He remained with Paulinus for several years and is said to have cured him of blindness. Paulinus sent David out to make his own monastic foundations.
Rhygyfarch says David founded
monasteries at Glastonbury, Bath and Leominster, but these are more likely to be Rhygyfarch's own claims to impress the Normans. But the one monastery we know he founded was that of Mynyw (Menevia) near his own birth place on the extreme south west of South Wales, facing Ireland, and now called St David's. David lived an austere life of prayer and fasting.Strict Discipline
The monastery had a most austere regime. Instead of oxen to pull the plough, the monks had to pull their plough on their own shoulders. The diet was strict - consisting of bread, bitter herbs and salt with water or a little milk. David was called Aquaticus, because he drank only water and his monks became known as the Aquatici or "watermen". Finian of Clonard and Modhomhnoc (see 13th February) both spent time at his monastery.
Resolving Disputes
When the Pelagian heresy was being discussed at the Synod of Brevi (Llandewi Brefi in Cardiganshire), David was summoned to resolve the dispute. Shortly afterwards, in 569, he presided over another Synod held at a place called Lucus Victoriae.
The Holy Land and first bishop of Menevia
Rhygyfarch says David went to the Holy Land with two other Welsh monks Teilo and Padarn and that he was consecrated Archbishop of Wales by the patriarch of Jerusalem - probably another exaggeration! He was bishop (probably not archbishop) of Menevia, the Roman port of Menapia in Pembrokeshire, later known as St. David's, then the chief point of departure for Ireland. He died around 601 but he continued to be remembered in Ireland, and he is mentioned in the Martyrology of Oengus and in the Catalogue of the Saints of Ireland.
Diocese of Menevia
The cult of St. David was approved by Pope Callistus II in the year 1120 and two pilgrimages to St David's were 'declared' to be equal in merit to one pilgrimage to Rome. The Catholic diocese of that area of Wales is still called Menevia; the bishop currently lives in Swansea.
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Memorable Saying for Today
Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things
that you have heard and seen me do. '
~ Last words of David (Dewi Sant) of Wales ~
(The phrase 'Gwnewch y pethau bychain mewn bywyd' -
'Do the little things in life' - is still a well-known maxim in Wales.)
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Liturgical Readings for: Sunday, 1st March, 2026
CÉAD LÉACHTSliocht as an Leabhar Geineasas 12:1-4
Glaoch Abráhám, athair Phobal Dé.
Dúirt an Tiarna le hAbrám:
“Imigh ó do thír féin, agus ó do mhuintir féin agus ó theach d’athar chun na tíre a thaispeánfaidh mé duit. Déanfaidh mé cine mór díot agus beannóidh mé thú agus mórfaidh mé d’ainm chomh mór sin go mbeidh sé mar bheannacht ag daoine.
Beidh mo bheannacht ar an muintir a chuirfidh beannacht ort. Beidh mo mhallacht ar an muintir a chuirfidh mallacht ort.
Agus is tríotsa a dhéanfaidh ciníocha uile An domhain iad féin a bheannú.”
D’imigh Abrám amach mar sin de réir mar a dúirt an Tiarna leis.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Salm le Freagra Sm 32: 4-5, 18-20. 22. R/v 22
Freagra Tabhair dúinn do bhuanghrá, a Thiarna, de réir an dóchais a chuirimid ionat.
1. Óir is dílis é briathar an Tiarna, agus is iontaofa a obair uile.
Is ionúin leis an chóir is an ceart; tá an talamh lán de bhuanghrá an Tiarna. Freagra
2. Féach, tá súile an Tiarna ar lucht a eaglaithe, orthu sin a chuireann a ndóchas ina bhuanghrá,
chun go bhfuadódh sé a n-anamacha ón mbás is go gcothódh sé iad in am an ghorta. Freagra
3. Bíonn ár n-anam ag feitheamh leis an Tiarna: is é sin ár gcabhair is ár sciath.
Tabhair dúinn do bhuanghrá, a Thiarna, de réir an dóchais a chuirimid ionat. Freagra
DARA LÉACHT
Sliocht as dara Litir Naomh Pól chuig Timóteas 1:8-10
Glaonn Dia orainn agus soilsíonn sinn.
Bhráthair: fulaingse cruatan liom ar son an dea-scéil as ucht an chumais
faighte agat ó Dhia.Mar is é Dia a shlánaigh sinn agus a ghlaoigh orainn le naomhghlao, agus ní de bharr on ní dá ndearnamarna é ach de bharr a thola agus a ghrásta féin.
Bhí an grásta seo tugtha dúinn i gCríost Íosa ó thús aimsire ach is anois beag a foilsíodh é trí thaibhsiú ar slánaitheora Críost Íosa. Chuir seisean an bás ar neamhní agus thug chun solais an bheatha agus an neamhbhásmhaireacht trí bhíthin an dea-scéil.
Briathar an Tiarna Buíochas le Dia
Véarsa Mt 17:5
Cloiseadh glór an Athar as an scamall solasmhar:
'Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi: éistigí leis.'
SOISCÉAL
Go raibh an Tiarna libh. Agus le do spiorad féin
Sliocht as Soiscéal naofa de réir Naomh Mhatha 17:1-9 Glóir duit, a Thiarna.
Shoilsigh a ghnúis ar nós na gréine.
San am sin rug Íosa leis Peadar, Séamas agus a dheartháir Eoin, agus sheol sé suas iad sliabh ard ar leithligh. Agus tháinig claochlú air os comhair a súl: shoilsigh a ghnúis ar nós na gréine agus d’éirigh a chuid éadaigh chomh gléigeal leis an solas. Agus chonacthas dóibh Maois agus Éilias ag comhrá leis.Labhair Peadar: “A Thiarna,” ar seisean le hÍosa, “is maith mar tharla anseo sinn: más maith leat é, déanfaidh mé trí bothanna san áit seo, ceann duit féin, ceann do Mhaois agus ceann d’Éilias.”
Sula raibh an focal as a bhéal, seo scamall solasmhar ina scáil anuas orthu, agus an glór as an scamall: “
Is é seo mo Mhac muirneach dár thug mé gnaoi; éistigí leis.”
Agus le foghar an ghlóir sin, chaith na deisceabail iad féin ar a mbéal, lán d’uamhan. Tháinig Íosa chucu agus leag a lámh orthu: “Éirígí,” ar seisean; “ná bíodh eagla oraibh.” Ar dhearcadh suas dóibh, ní raibh neach ar bith le feiceáil acu ach Íosa féin amháin.
Agus ar a slí anuas dóibh ón sliabh, thug Íosa ordú dóibh: “Ná labhraigí le duine ar bith faoin bhfís seo,” ar seisean, “nó go mbeidh Mac an Duine éirithe ó mhairbh.”
Soiscéal an Tiarna. Moladh duit, a Chriost
AN BÍOBLA NAOFA
© An Sagart
