February 23
St Polycarp
Feast shown for the year 2027; movable feasts can vary from year to year.
St Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna and Martyr, is one of the most revered figures of the early Church. Born at the end of the first century, he was a disciple of the Apostle John and became a vital link between the apostolic era and later generations of Christians. As bishop for many decades, Polycarp was known for his pastoral care, defense of orthodox doctrine, and steadfast opposition to heresies threatening the unity of the Church at that time. His witness is especially notable for his letter to the Philippians, reflecting his deep faith and concern for Christian unity and charity. Ultimately, Polycarp was arrested during a period of persecution and brought before Roman authorities. When ordered to curse Christ, he famously refused and was sentenced to death by burning; his martyrdom, recounted in an early Christian text, inspired many by his calm courage and trust in God. The Church keeps the feast of St Polycarp as a tribute to his apostolic legacy, heroic witness to the faith, and enduring contribution to Christian teaching and unity.
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Liturgical texts of February 23, 2027
The liturgical day
Mass readings
ReadingIs 1, 10.16-20
Hear the word of the Lord,
you who are like the rulers of Sodom!
Listen to the teaching of our God,
you, people of Gomorrah!
Wash yourselves, purify yourselves,
remove your evil deeds from my sight,
cease to do evil.
Learn to do good:
seek justice,
reprimand the oppressor,
give justice to the orphan,
defend the cause of the widow.
Come, let us argue this out – says the Lord.
Though your sins are like scarlet,
they shall be as white as snow.
Though they are red like crimson,
they shall become like wool.
If you are willing to obey me,
you shall eat the good things of the land;
but if you refuse and resist,
it is the sword that shall eat you.
– Yes, the mouth of the Lord has spoken.
– The word of the Lord.
Psalm49 (50), 7ab.8, 13-14, 16bc- 17, 21abc.23ab
“Listen, my people, I am speaking;
Israel, I bear witness against you.
I do not accuse you because of your sacrifices;
your burnt offerings are always before me.
“Shall I eat the flesh of bulls
or drink the blood of rams?
Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,
fulfill your vows to the Most High.
“Why do you recite my laws,
why keep my covenant on your lips,
you who hate correction
and cast my words behind you?
“This is what you do; should I keep silent?
Do you think I am like you?
Whoever offers the sacrifice of thanksgiving,
glorifies me.”
GospelMt 23, 1-12
At that time,
Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples,
and he said:
“The scribes and the Pharisees
sit on Moses’ seat.
Therefore, do and observe all things whatsoever they tell you.
But do not act according to their deeds,
for they preach but do not practice.
They tie up heavy burdens, hard to carry,
and lay them on people’s shoulders;
but they themselves will not lift a finger to move them.
All their works they do in order to be seen by others:
they make their phylacteries broad
and lengthen the tassels on their garments;
they love places of honor at banquets,
the best seats in the synagogues,
and greetings in the marketplaces,
they love to be called 'Rabbi' by others.
But you, do not be called 'Rabbi',
for you have only one teacher,
and you are all brothers.
Call no one on earth your father,
for you have only one Father, he who is in heaven.
Nor are you to be called masters,
for you have only one master, the Christ.
The greatest among you shall be your servant.
Whoever exalts himself will be humbled,
whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
– Let us acclaim the word of God.
Liturgical texts: © AELF — aelf.org