St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day
Did you know that St. Patrick’s Day was originally a religious holiday? I have always thought St. Patrick’s Day was a celebration of all things Irish! Greens in every shade, shamrocks, pots of gold, and Leprechauns is what came to mind when I thought of March 17th.
While neither St. Patrick nor St. Patrick’s Day is mentioned in the Bible, it is worth recognizing the “fact that around 1,600 years ago a man (St. Patrick) dedicated his life to proclaiming the gospel, resulting in tens of thousands of people becoming Christians.” (GotQuestions.com) “St. Patrick, who lived during the fifth century, is the patron saint of Ireland and its national apostle. Born in Roman Britain, he was kidnapped and brought to Ireland as a slave at 16. He later escaped, but returned to Ireland and was credited with bringing Christianity to its people.” (history.com)
In addition, St. Patrick used the shamrock as the symbol when describing the Trinity. As St. Patrick was evangelizing the people of ancient Ireland, he explained the concept of the Trinity by using a very common plant in Ireland: the shamrock, a member of the clover family with three small, green leaves on a single stem. One legend has it that St. Patrick in his travels happened upon some Irish chieftains in a meadow. The tribal leaders were puzzled about the doctrine of the Trinity, and so Patrick bent down and plucked a shamrock. The three leaves, said Patrick, are still one plant, just as the three Persons of the Trinity are one God” (Got Questions.com).
I will now always look at St. Patrick’s Day as day to celebrate evangelism instead of an Irish Holiday! Luke 15:7-10 says “I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.
Just as St. Patrick did, so too should each of us strive to spread the good news about Jesus.  In Matthew 28:18-20 Jesus states, “ “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
By:  Kati Rose

No Comments