St. Patrick, Whose He?
One of the great leaders of New Testament is the Apostle Paul and he gives us this exhortation in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1)
A saint has been defined as “a man in whom Christ lives.” The real leader of the church preaches and lives in Christ. Men are captivated by Christians who live out what they believe. Mankind will not necessarily agree with what a man preaches, but they will take note of how he lives.
Around this time of the year, one should consider the life of St. Patrick, especially since there is a day dedicated in his honor. Unfortunately, many people only observe his holiday, March 17, by drinking themselves silly, which is totally contrary to the spirit of the man who Christianized Ireland. In fact, Patrick shows what God can do through someone who is committed fully to Him. (Thomas Cahill How the Irish Saved Civilization) Articles found in Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, The Times Herald, written by Mark Driscroll and Patrick’s Biography contain information about St. Patrick, indicating that March 17, the date of his death is celebrated inside and out side Ireland as a religious and cultural holiday. In the dioceses of Ireland, it is a holy day of obligation; it is also a celebration of Ireland itself. St. Patrick is on the list of saints, and was declared a saint in heaven by many Catholic Churches. St. Patrick was also venerated in the Orthodox Catholic Church. The Episcopal Church annually honors St. Patrick with the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, which falls during the Christian season of Lent. For more than 1,000 years, the Irish have observed St. Patrick’s Day as a religious holiday. Traditionally, on St. Patrick’s Day, Irish families would attend church in the morning and celebrate later—including eating a traditional meal of cabbage and Irish bacon.
Christians who walk in obedience to God’s call upon their lives are worthy of our attention and we should imitate their faith. It would be good for us to evaluate the outcome of St. Patrick’s life. St. Patrick was known as the “Apostle of Ireland.” He wrote, “I am a servant of Christ to a foreign nation for the unspeakable glory of life everlasting which is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” ~ Patrick
As a person does a serious study on the life of St. Patrick they will come to these conclusions: 1.) He was a man who had a genuine conversion. 2.) His Key Focus of life was on the “Great Commission. 3.) He grew in his faith in turbulent times through prayer. 4.) His prayer life open the door for guidance. And 5.) He enjoyed seeing what God can do.
Do you have the Lord’s view on St. Patrick? One that has a sacrificial heart for the lost to know Jesus. Or, are you like the multitude who have a worldly perspective? One that leads to a life of indulgence on that which displeases God!
Recent Comments