Saint Patrick

 

 

Somewhere in time, this week a new Pope was elected.  This man has chosen the name Frances since it represents a spirit of peace and humbleness.  This week is also the observance of the celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day.  For this reason, I am republishing last years’ blog about Saint Patrick. 

Somewhere in time, about the third century, a young man was out for a walk.  He lived on the isle of Britain, which was part of the Roman Empire. At the time, those in Britain lived in relative peace.  This particular day, his peace was shattered and his world turned upside down.  He was out by the ocean.  We don’t know if he was fishing or just out admiring the view when he was captured by slave traders from a neighboring island.  They captured him and took him to Ireland where he was sold.

Alone on an island, he didn’t speak the language.  He had no money, no friends and no relatives.  He was no longer free, but a slave to whoever purchased him.  He was sent to tend the livestock out in the fields. I’m sure he had moments when despair threatened to overtake him, but he never completely lost hope. He used this time, to pray and cry out to God.  God always hears when we cry out to him, we may just not realize it right away.

I’m sure it seemed like a long time, but one night, while praying, he sensed God telling him how to escape.  If it wasn’t God’s voice, then it would be a fool hardy endeavor.  To help an escaped slave was punishable by death.  God told him to follow a certain road to the coast and there a boat would be loading that would give him passage back to Britain.  He did as instructed and followed the road, found the boat and was offered passage back to his home.

Finally, he was home, hallelujah!  He decided to enter the Priesthood, God had rescued him from slavery, so he would serve God, wholeheartedly, the rest of his life. 

While in seminary, he felt a burden for the people that had kept him in captivity.  He knew the people lived in spiritual darkness, he had seen it with his own eyes. They needed to hear about the love of Christ.  He told the church leaders of his plan and they tried to dissuade him.  Ireland was a rough land, the people would not listen, or so they thought.  The young man wouldn’t take no for answer.  Finally the church gave permission and with his new name, Patrick set out again, this time for Ireland by his own choosing.

Patrick brought the gospel of Jesus Christ to the sin darkened island of Ireland. Patrick loved the people and chose to demonstrate God’s love in many ways.  The people responded and turned to Christ.

It really is a wonderful story.  Patrick had to endure capture and slavery before he was free to demonstrate love.  Sometimes God brings us through things so that on the other side we can reach out for him in a new way, one we would have never thought of otherwise.  Be patient and trust, God always has a plan.

I wonder what St. Patrick would think about the way we celebrate a holiday to commemorate his life.  I’m not sure he would be able to recognize some of the celebrations we have now. It might be more accurate to go to church, feed the poor or reach out in some way to those around us.  That would be more of a demonstration of the life of Patrick.

I started to think, if Patrick were here, what he would tell us.

2 Thessalonians 3:15-17 (NIV) “So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or letter. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.”

Patrick’s work is still evident on the island, as people are still turning to the Lord, even today.  Below is a video from a group of Irish young people that are choosing to serve the Lord through music.  I think Patrick would be proud.

 

Rend Collective Experiment - Second Chance (Official Music Video) from rendcollectiveexperiment on GodTube.