This Sunday is St. Patrick's Day! Do you know the real story behind this celebration? Patrick's story is far more fascinating than the legend.
Patrick was born in 385 in Scotland. He records in this autobiography,
“I was sixteen years old and knew not the true God and was carried away captive, but in that strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes, and although late I called my sins to mind, and was converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God, who regarded my low estate, had pity on my youth and ignorance, and consoled me as a father consoles his children.”
Little is known about Patrick's first sixteen years of life, but his story began when he was captured by Irish pirates and held captive in Ireland for six years.
After being kidnapped and held captive, one day Patrick managed to escape and found safety on a British ship that returned him to his homeland. Once back, he became a priest and felt a strong desire to share the gospel with the very people who had previously kidnapped him. Despite facing persecution and resistance, Patrick remained determined and eventually succeeded in converting the king to Christianity. Following the king's baptism, many of the people of Ireland also converted to Christianity.
It's worth noting that St. Patrick was never officially canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, so he isn't technically a saint. He passed away on March 17, 461 in Saul, where he established his first church. If you visit the town today, you'll see a noteworthy monument standing atop the hill that overlooks it.
We remember Patrick not through legends and fables, nor the typical celebration of his holiday. Let us remember him by his love for those who persecuted him. Jesus challenges us in Matthew 5:46-47,
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
Let us be inspired by Patrick to show the love of Christ and be willing to love our enemy. The Gospel is worth our sacrifice.
Servant for His Glory,
Pastor Robert
Patrick was born in 385 in Scotland. He records in this autobiography,
“I was sixteen years old and knew not the true God and was carried away captive, but in that strange land the Lord opened my unbelieving eyes, and although late I called my sins to mind, and was converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God, who regarded my low estate, had pity on my youth and ignorance, and consoled me as a father consoles his children.”
Little is known about Patrick's first sixteen years of life, but his story began when he was captured by Irish pirates and held captive in Ireland for six years.
After being kidnapped and held captive, one day Patrick managed to escape and found safety on a British ship that returned him to his homeland. Once back, he became a priest and felt a strong desire to share the gospel with the very people who had previously kidnapped him. Despite facing persecution and resistance, Patrick remained determined and eventually succeeded in converting the king to Christianity. Following the king's baptism, many of the people of Ireland also converted to Christianity.
It's worth noting that St. Patrick was never officially canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, so he isn't technically a saint. He passed away on March 17, 461 in Saul, where he established his first church. If you visit the town today, you'll see a noteworthy monument standing atop the hill that overlooks it.
We remember Patrick not through legends and fables, nor the typical celebration of his holiday. Let us remember him by his love for those who persecuted him. Jesus challenges us in Matthew 5:46-47,
“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?”
Let us be inspired by Patrick to show the love of Christ and be willing to love our enemy. The Gospel is worth our sacrifice.
Servant for His Glory,
Pastor Robert
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