Saint Patrick
“Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!”
For some reason, I was greeted this way when I entered the bank this morning. Happy Saint Patrick’s Day? Why would a bank employee who never greeted me with a “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Easter” think that I wanted to be greeted in the name of the patron saint of Ireland?
I mean, honestly, Saint Patrick was a great human being who spread the Word of Jesus Christ to the pagans in Ireland, many of whom came to faith. A day of remembrance in his honor is greatly sufficient, but to greet people in his name? I think he’d be a little upset at it.
Why? Saint Patrick’s great mission was to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It wasn’t about Patrick, it was all about his Savior. Patrick’s priestly life was centered on that one important mission of proclaiming the Gospel.
It wasn’t about drinking green beer until getting drunk.
It wasn’t about eating obscene amounts of corned beef and cabbage.
It wasn’t acting like a fool after drinking and eating too much.
Saint Patrick’s mission was about spreading the Gospel. It does him a disservice when, in his name, people get drunk and act like fools.
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day by talking about Jesus Christ. I think brother Patrick would be a lot happier with that rather than drinking a green beer.
(Reposted from reviovine.com)
