Christ and Saint Patrick

Whenever one thinks about St. Patrick's Day nowadays, visions of leprechauns, four-leaf clovers, and an abundance of the color green come to mind, among other things. Over the years, especially in the Western world, March 17 has become a festive day, to say the least, a day of celebration that is really quite unmatched on the calendar. Today, though, I want us to take a step back and briefly look at the inspirational figure this day is dedicated to: Saint Patrick.

History tells us that, when he was only sixteen years old in the fifth century, Patrick was captured by Irish raiders and forced into slavery in Ireland for several years. As he grew in his knowledge of Irish culture and tradition, he began to develop a heart for the Irish people even though he was in bondage to them, and even after he escaped Ireland and fled from slavery, his heart for the Irish was so big that he felt compelled to actually return to Ireland to evangelize them and tell them about Jesus. He used familiar Celtic symbols to help them understand the gospel and various Christian doctrines, and he is probably most noted for using a three-leaf clover to help them understand the doctrine of the Trinity. All in all, it is believed that approximately 135,000 Irish people were converted to Christianity thanks to the missionary work of Patrick. Furthermore, history indicates that roughly 300 churches were established in Ireland and 350 bishops were consecrated to the Lord's service due to Patrick's faithful service.

By all accounts of church history, Patrick was devoted disciple of Jesus Christ who allowed the Lord to use him in a mighty and powerful way for His glory. While you may disagree with Patrick on certain theological points, this man dedicated his life to proclaiming the gospel to the very people who captured and enslaved him and thus lived a life worth remembering. Truly, the nation of Ireland was radically changed by God through His servant, Patrick, and today, we thank God for this specific instance of the gospel advancing and the kingdom spreading.

In a beautifully written piece from St. Patrick (often called The Prayer of St. Patrick), the Irish missionary wrote this:

    "Christ shield me today against poison, against burning, against drowning, against wounding, so that reward may come to me in abundance. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me, Christ in the ear that hears me."

May that be our heart's cry as well. Let us be consumed with knowing with Christ, following Christ, and proclaiming Christ until the day Christ returns a second time or until we see Christ face-to-face in glory. Today, on 2022's edition of St. Patrick's Day, let us not honor Patrick himself, but instead, let us honor the One Patrick devoted His entire life to serving. Let us honor Christ alone, and let us emulate Patrick's faithful example by surrendering our lives to doing whatever it is the Lord has called to do for His glory.

For His glory,

Cody Fleenor