ACC ~ Mark 10 v38b

THE WILLINGNESS TO SUFFER FOR THE TRUTH

POLYCARP: I bless you, Lord, because you have deemed me worthy of this day and hour, to take my part in the number of the martyrs, in the cup of your Christ, for “resurrection to eternal life” [1] of soul and body in the immortality of the Holy Spirit; among whom may I be received in your presence this day as a rich and acceptable sacrifice, just as you have prepared and revealed beforehand and fulfilled, O you who are the true God without any falsehood. THE MARTYRDOM OF POLYCARP 14. [2]

[1] Cf. Jn 5:29; 6:54.

[2] TLG 1484.001, 14.2.1-7; LCC 1:154*. The martyrs gave their lives as evidence of the willingness to drink the cup that the Lord himself drank. Polycarp delivered the definitive statement of this willingness.

THE MEANING OF THE CUP

AUGUSTINE: He meant, of course, the cup of humility and suffering. TRACTATE ON JOHN 28.5.2. [1]

[1] Cetedoc 0278, 28.5.27; FC 88:7.