One of the things St. Patrick is best known for, is his explanation of the Trinity with the Shamrock. It is said He would hold up a shamrock and challenge those listening, “Is it one leaf or three?” Their answer would be, we guess it would be both. He would then talk with them about the heart shaped leaves to remind them of God’s love for them and how the Father, Son and Holy Spirit works together in our lives. He would conclude with “And so it is with God,” “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from The Creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His Eternal Power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20). However, historical records cannot find he himself using this explanation, so why did this become a such a big part of St. Patrick’s teachings? No one knows and truthfully the object isn’t as important as the lesson that God loves us so much He presents Himself as a Father to love and care for us; as a Son, so we would know what it is like to truly be His child and Holy Spirit, so we would know we are never alone.
If a Shamrock helps you remember how much God loves you; that He provided a way through His Son Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and once you accept Him, His Holy Spirit lives in you and you will never be alone, then keeping seeing the lesson of love in the plant. For it’s not the plant, nor the one who spoke of it, but the One who Created it that makes all the difference.
If you would like to know more about beginning a relationship with Jesus like St. Patrick had, go to About Us and click on “Beginning a Relationship”
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