Photo by Grant Whitty on Unsplash
Today is Saint Patrick’s Day. Unlike other years, this year hardly feels like a celebration. But perhaps this year is a chance to see a more accurate sense of Saint Patrick the man than lots of drinking.
That is because in this moment of crisis there is also an opportunity. The real reason for Saint Patrick’s becoming a saint is his holiness. And that holiness was wrapped in a tremendous spirit of evangelization. By his preaching, actions and examples he made the faith attractive to the people, and the Catholic faith took deep root in Ireland.
Sometimes it takes something dramatic to shake us out of our complacency. Sometimes we must realize the fragile nature of life in order to appreciate it. Sometimes in difficulty we are called to notice the everlasting salvation that is extended to us.
We may have too romanticized an image of Saint Patrick but asking for his prayers can help us to grow in holiness by making us closer to God.
Let us pray.
Dear Jesus, Through the example of Saint Patrick help me to know my vocation as a maker of disciples, sharing with others my faith, witnessing to my faith in a way that makes it attractive to others. Help me to grow in holiness. I make this prayer in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Music: Cheezy Piano Medley by Alexander Nakarada
Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4833-cheezy-piano-medley
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
