St. Patrick’s Day is the inspiration for green beer, shamrocks, and lots of leprechaun hunts. The real St. Patrick was something of a less merry and less light-hearted soul.
At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by pirates from his home in Cornwall or Devon, and taken to Ireland as a slave. Six years later, he escaped and returned to his original family. He eventually became a priest, but without the educational background of many others. He had a vision that he would return to Ireland and in 438, he did return and was made a bishop.
Throughout his life, he was deeply self-conscious about his early history, his lack of education, and his simple faith. Nonetheless, he was remembered as a person of deep commitment. Impressed by his preaching and teaching, many converts of both high and low rank found a place as Christians. The memorable thing is to consider how a person who had no sense of his own worthiness could still make such an astonishing impact that he is remembered so many centuries later. We might want to consider how, in the great tapestry of human history, even small threads can adjust the weave.
Next week, our worship will travel the path from Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem to his last meal with his friends.
Good Friday we will remember the last words and actions of Jesus.
God, like a sojourner called forth from your garden, I abide upon this maternal soil to be a transparent messenger of your peace. Therefore, my will and my life, I entrust into your hands.
Craig O’Neill, Peace Prayers
Mold me as you see fit for whatever you give me. I am grateful. Whatever you send me, I accept. Sustain me only with your wisdom and your love so that all whom I meet on this journey home may see through me to you.
Amen