Ibind unto myself today
The strong Name of the Trinity,
By invocation of the same,
The Three in One and One in Three.

Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!

You may be of Irish decent and already know the true history of Patrick of Ireland.

Like many things at the hands of revisionist historians, the original work of Patrick has been assaulted by today’s cultural whims.

Who was this Patrick? Why does he have a day attributed to him?  Why all the green beer?  How do they relate?

The words above are attributed to the Breastplate Prayer of St. Patrick which later became and song which later became a hymn.

I am not going to tell you the history of Patrick of Ireland but if you’re curious, you can find it here.

I will tell you some of the things I have learned about him over the years.

He was kidnapped and sold into slavery in Ireland.

He loved Jesus and wanted others to know Him truly.

He spent his adult years learning the Scriptures and then took it to the people who had been his masters.

God used Patrick mightily to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to all of Ireland.

How did we go from telling people of Jesus Christ to drinking copious amounts of green beer to “celebrate” St Patrick?

Ironically like most of cultural elements in America, this became an exploited holiday that was once only a religious remembrance.

The first St Patrick’s Day parade was On March 17, 1762; Irish soldiers serving in the English military marched through New York City.

Now annually, the St Patrick’s Day parade in NYC is the largest parade of its kind in the world.

If you are interested in learning more of the cultural progression from sharing Christ with the lost to drinking at the break of dawn check out this site.

The work and words of Patrick of Ireland are worth celebrating today, this Sunday in Lent.

He made personal sacrifices so that others could have food and shelter.

He demonstrated his love for Jesus through actions as well as words.

He helped those he served among.

That is a character worth copying.

Christ be with me, Christ within me,
Christ behind me, Christ before me,
Christ beside me, Christ to win me,
Christ to comfort and restore me.
Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ in quiet, Christ in danger,
Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger.

(photo credit M. Dahl)