Saint Patrick’s Day has been impressed in the public consciousness as a day that evokes the imagery of leprechauns, rainbows with pots of gold at the end, and the shamrock. It is also known for traditions such as dressing in green, parades, and drinking a pint of Guinness. Yet with the commercialization of this holiday, have we ever stopped to think about Saint Patrick himself and why do we celebrate a holiday named after him? Well, there is much that has been written about Saint Patrick and his impact on Ireland and Christianity.
As much as Saint Patrick is associated with Ireland and Irish pride (he is also Ireland’s patron saint), what is interesting to note is that he was not Irish at all. He was born in Britain around 386 A.D to an ecclesially connected family, who somehow did not emphasize a Christian education for him. When he was sixteen, he was captured by Irish pirates and became a slave to a Druid priest for six years. During that time, his faith in Christ strengthened and he developed a profound desire to bring Christianity to the Irish. While enslaved, he had a dream where a voice told him he would return to Britain. He returned to Britain, rejoined his family, and spent some time in Europe. Later, he received another vision where he was called to return to his ministry among the Irish. Upon his return, St. Patrick converted, baptized, and confirmed various Irish to the Christian faith. He also suffered tremendously in his ministry to the Irish even to the point he was nearly martyred. He also formed councils, established monasteries and allotted dioceses in Ireland.
Something we can learn from Saint Patrick is faithfulness regardless of our circumstances. As previously mentioned, Saint Patrick endured slavery, persecution, and was nearly killed. Through it all, he was faithful to Christ and the call to preach the gospel to the Irish. We may not be going through things as severe as what Saint Patrick went through. However, whatever we are enduring, we must persevere in what God has called us to do. Another thing we can learn from St. Patrick is to obey the call of God to spread the gospel in our communities and among the nations. This Saint Patrick’s Day, no matter where the Lord places us, may we love the people around us enough to bring Christ to them. May the Lord fill us with his love for the nations and the unbelievers around us for the sake of the Great Commission.
Collect (Prayer) of the Day
Almighty and everlasting God, you called your servant Patick to preach the Gospel: Raise up in this and every land evangelists and heralds of your kingdom, that your Church may proclaim the unsearchable riches of our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Bible Reading
Psalm 84:11 (ESV)
For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does he withhold from those who walk uprightly.
Photo Credit Unsplash.com
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