Remembering Saint Patrick: Perseverance and Legacy

Remembering Saint Patrick

Every year, on March 17th, people around the world celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. It is a day synonymous with green beer, parades, and shamrocks. However, the true meaning of Saint Patrick’s Day goes beyond these festivities. It is a day to remember Saint Patrick, a man who brought the gospel to the Irish people in the 5th century.

Who Was Saint Patrick?

Saint Patrick was born in Britain, but at the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken to Ireland as a slave. During his captivity, he turned to Christianity and eventually escaped and returned to Britain. However, he felt called by God to return to Ireland as a missionary.

Despite opposition from the Irish chieftains and the established Christian church, Saint Patrick persevered in his mission to bring the gospel to the Irish people. He used the shamrock, a symbol of the Holy Trinity, to explain the Christian faith to the pagan Irish.

Saint Patrick’s Legacy

Saint Patrick’s legacy is not just in the conversion of the Irish people to Christianity. His legacy is also in his example of perseverance in the face of opposition and his commitment to fulfilling God’s call on his life. As Christians, we can learn from Saint Patrick’s example and apply it to our own lives.

Perseverance in the Face of Opposition

Like Saint Patrick, we will face opposition in our lives. It may come from our families, friends, or even from within the church. However, we must persevere in our faith and in our mission to share the gospel with others.

Jesus himself warned his disciples that they would face opposition in the world. In John 15:18-19, he says, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”

We can take comfort in knowing that we are not alone in facing opposition. Jesus faced it too, and so did Saint Patrick. We can look to their examples and be encouraged to persevere in our faith, no matter what challenges we may face.

Commitment to God’s Call

Saint Patrick was committed to fulfilling God’s call on his life, even when it meant going against the established norms of his time. He was willing to risk his life to bring the gospel to the Irish people.

As Christians, we are called to be obedient to God’s call on our lives. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives the Great Commission, saying, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Just like Saint Patrick, we are called to go and make disciples of all nations. We must be committed to fulfilling God’s call on our lives, no matter the cost.

How Can We Remember Saint Patrick?

So, how can we remember Saint Patrick on his feast day? Here are a few suggestions:

Learn More About Saint Patrick

Take some time to learn more about Saint Patrick and his mission to bring the gospel to the Irish people. There are many resources available online and in books that can help you learn more about his life and legacy.

Pray for Missionaries

Take some time to pray for missionaries who are currently serving in areas where the gospel has not yet been fully received. Pray that they would have the same perseverance and commitment to God’s call that Saint Patrick had.

Share the Gospel

Finally, take the opportunity to share the gospel with someone on Saint Patrick’s Day. Just like Saint Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Christian faith, we can use this day as an opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others.

Conclusion

Saint Patrick’s Day is not just a day for green beer and shamrocks. It is a day to remember a man who was committed to fulfilling God’s call on his life and who persevered in the face of opposition. As Christians, we can learn from Saint Patrick’s example and be encouraged to persevere in our faith and in our mission to share the gospel with others.

So, this Saint Patrick’s Day, let us remember Saint Patrick and his legacy. Let us be inspired by his example of perseverance and commitment to God’s call. And let us take the opportunity to share the good news of Jesus Christ with others, just like Saint Patrick did so many years ago.