Monday, March 17, 2014
Commemoration
Patrick, Bishop, Missionary to Ireland, d. 461
Reflection
Patrick returned evil for good. He was born and raised in
Roman Britain, the grandson of a priest and son of an alderman and later
deacon. Despite his Christian upbringing, he had little use for the faith as a
youth. At age 13 or 14, while staying at his father’s country estate, he was
kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold as a slave. Out of his experience of
isolation from family and hardship, he prayed every day. After six years of
being a shepherd, he escaped and returned home. Ironically, his time in Ireland
had served as a religious conversion, and he determined to return to the land
of his former captors and to preach Christ. He studied for the priesthood on
the continent of Europe, was eventually named Bishop for Ireland. Despite physical danger
and harassment, he persisted in his mission. The baptismal hymn, “St. Patrick’s
Breastplate,” attributed to but probably not written by him, expresses his
faith and zeal.
Patrick wrote in the Confession: “Whatever happens to
me, I can with serenity accept good and evil equally, always giving thanks to
God, who has shown me how to trust in him always, as one who is never to be
doubted.”
Prayer
Lord, Thank you for the life and example of your servant,
Patrick. Turn our experiences of hardship into opportunities for praise, that,
in all things, we might glorify you in word and deed. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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