Meaning Behind the Madness
I confess Saint Patrick's Day is usually a holiday that I ignore or avoid. That's because I don't really understand what Americans here are celebrating.
They decorate with leprechauns and clovers, the Walmart sugar cookies are green, and folks dust off their Irish accent to joke around with. The worst (or best part) of all is the pinching. I’m not sure how this ludicrous tradition started, but now on March 17th you somehow have the right to pinch someone if they aren’t wearing green. But if you dig into it, you realize that there is so much more to this holiday that we are missing. I’ve put together a brief summary about Saint Patrick so we can know who and why we are celebrating.
Who was Saint Patrick?
Patrick was not Irish, but actually found his faith while he was a prisoner in Ireland. While he was tending to sheep alone and despairing, he sought God. Constantly he prayed and felt the love of God. Through depending on God, Patrick survived his six years of bondage. Then eventually, acting on a dream from God, he returned home and dedicated his life to God. Joining a monastery, he became a priest. Still, he felt a call back to the people of Ireland.
Knowing the dangers he said, “Daily I expect to be murdered or betrayed or reduced to slavery if the occasion arises. But I fear nothing, because of the promises of heaven.”
Through his missionary efforts, he is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. It is said that he used the three-leaf clover to explain the trinity to the Irish people. He was passionate, dedicated, and sincere in his faith and he deserves to be remembered. Saint Patrick died on March 17, 461, and now instead of simply wearing green, maybe you can do something more to celebrate. Share the gospel with someone, share the story of Saint Patrick with someone, or even just spend time with God like Patrick did in the fields with the flock. Nevertheless, we should spread the joy of the Lord every day of the year. While there is so much more to learn about this man, I hope this helps spark your curiosity and better your understanding. Now, when I look at the clover, I no longer think “luck” instead I think “the Triune God.” I am reminded of my duty to share the gospel.
If you ever feel alone, perhaps this quote may comfort you.
Saint Patrick- “Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.”
I share this story because I want to search history and learn. I want to understand the holidays which I celebrate. I hope you want the same. I sincerely hope that you are pursuing the truth because if that is true, then you will eventually find it.
This Week’s Take-aways
This letter might be a little short, but that’s so you will remember it better. (Not because I’m writing this at 10pm on Monday night.)
Search for Truth
You are not alone
Share the gospel
Learn more
Weekly Recommendations
Here’s a short video about Saint Patrick. This is where I got some of the information for my summary. Great Irish scenery!
My mom shared with me this awesome (and short) testimony of a Jewish man. I found his misconceptions about Christianity interesting. I definitely recommend taking a few minutes to hear his story.
Have you ever wondered if Smurfs were real? Haha joking. Check out this article about a man who turned himself blue! https://abcnews.go.com/Health/internet-sensation-papa-smurf-dies-blue-people-live/story?id=20368758
The Irish Blessing
"May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields, And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
The Reality of Life…
…is that bad things happen, but we have a good father that we can run to. Let your eyes be fixed on Jesus and your heart be full of unfading joy. Smile through the pain because there’s a rainbow on the other side of the storm. You are amazing. Keep being amazing. Thank you for what you do. Enjoy the precious life you have been given and remember you only get the privilege of living it once. Goodbye.