But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! Matthew 5:44
Today we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. We wear green and plaids, we eat Corned Beef and potatoes and cabbage, or Irish Stew. Many meet in bars to drink Guiness and have Irish treats. And the church often talks about St. Patrick’s explaining the Trinity with a Shamrock. But I like to remember why we even remember a man named St. Patrick.
St. Patrick wasn’t even Irish, he was British! We associate him with the Irish people because of his love for them, in spite of the fact that he was kidnapped by them as a child and sold as a slave. He and his two friends became shepherds in the highlands of Ireland and were anything but well cared for. They were often left alone to find their own shelter and food for long periods of time.
One night he had a dream that he was to prepare to escape, he would be told how and where to go and find a boat that would be waiting for him. Like David, from spending so much time alone he developed a deep relationship with the Lord. So he knew it was the voice of the Lord directing him back home. When he got home he entered the seminary and studied to be a priest. But his heart was drawn to go back to Ireland and reach the Celtic people with the Gospel of Jesus Chrsit.
He was discouraged to do so by his family, teachers and the church. But he knew the calling was from God and he followed that call. Because of his compassion for the hearts of the Irish, he ran into the darkness where the Druid religion was practiced and brought the Light of Jesus Christ. His selfless service to go to the very same people that persecuted and used him were now able to experience the love of God through His Son Jesus Christ. So today, while you’re celebrating, remember not to forget to celebrate the real reason, the amazing power of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!
Leave a Reply