Patrick and Forgiveness

It would be safe to say that Patricius, a 15 year old teenager of a semi-wealthy family, was like most teenagers today. His wealth and status probably contributed to a rather me-centered perspective that most humans, and particularly adolescents, seem to possess.

His kidnapping by Irish raiders changed his life. Grabbed from his British home in the middle of the night while his parents were away visiting a nearby town, he instantly lost all prestige and entitlements. Within weeks, he was a slave to an Irish landowner and consigned to guarding sheep. Some years later, he escaped and returned to his home and his parents. Shortly, thereafter, he decided to return to the people who had altered his life.

There are many worthy quotes from the aged missionary to Ireland worthy of our contemplation, especially on this, his day. But let’s not forget his life expended preaching the gospel, modeling the gospel and warring for the gospel was all predicated on an earlier decision. Long before he became known to the world as St. Patrick, he decided to forgive his enemies of their offenses and this action was the defining action of his life and is central to the gospel of Jesus.

Forgiveness is the core of the Christian faith.

Have you sought the forgiveness of God, your Creator, Designer and Sovereign King?

Have you forgiven others who have offended, wounded, and hurt you?

Ephesians 4:32
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

St. Patrick's Day

He wasn't red-haired nor Catholic, and surprisingly, not even Irish. But Maewyn Succat did become known as Patrick. And when the Catholic Church bestowed "sainthood" upon him many years later, he officially became St. Patrick of Ireland.

He didn't guzzle beer or chase snakes out of Ireland or even teach the Trinity using a shamrock (though he did believe the doctrine).

What Patrick did do, was to preach the gospel of Jesus. Druid idolatry was worthless as is any other form of religion known to man. What the Irish of the 5th century needed is what America of the 21st century needs: Jesus. A savior who forgives repentant sinners.

Some 2 million people celebrated the day in New York City today. Sadly, their focus was not on what Patrick valued most...his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Catholics & St. Patrick's Day: Reverence or Revelry?

CNN has this story about this year's Catholic conundrum. It isn't whether to chew the host or let it melt in your mouth or even whether to serve communion to pro-abortion politicians.

For the first time since 1940, St. Patrick's Day falls during Holy Week. So, will Catholics be reverent or reveling this year?

* Firefighters pass Saint Patrick's Cathedral during the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in New York City in 2006.