4. Selflessness and Humility
In order for the candidate to fulfil criteria four, they must have been selfless and humble throughout their life. What this means is that the saint must have put others before themselves. They must have looked to help others, fulfilling others' needs before their own. They must have risked their safety in order to bring others closer to God, or to preach the word of the Lord.
Additionally, the saint must have led a simple life, leading a lifestyle that would bring them closer to God. The saint must have been modest, just as Jesus was, unlike the hypocrites. |
How has St Polycarp fulfilled this criteria?
Throughout his life, St Polycarp demonstrated selflessness and humility through his heroic deeds and actions.
To begin with, the definition of selflessness is,
To begin with, the definition of selflessness is,
"Concerned more with the needs and wishes of others than with one's own; unselfish"
St Polycarp was clearly selfless throughout his life, looking out for others before thinking about himself. One example of St Polycarp's selfless deeds was in Smyrna, while the Christians were facing persecution. St Polycarp selflessly gave his life to save his people from persecution, following Jesus' footsteps by "leading and feeding his flock". He chose to risk his life in order to help Christians and keep Christianity alive.
Moreover, the definition of humility is.. .
Moreover, the definition of humility is.. .
"The quality of having a modest or low view of one's importance."
It can be confirmed through St Polycarp's simple life that he was a modest man. St Polycarp led a quiet life, much like a hermits, dedicating his life to prayer. In this way, St Polycarp could strengthen his connection with God with no distractions of the city life. Sources say he never thought of himself with higher importance than anyone else, confirming his humility.
Therefore, it can be seen that St Polycarp was both selfless and humble, fulfilling the fourth criteria.
Therefore, it can be seen that St Polycarp was both selfless and humble, fulfilling the fourth criteria.