A Thought for March 17
Saint Patrick’s Day – knowing many are disappointed that this great day will not be observed in the usual way, I suggest considering who Saint Patrick really was. Captured as a youth and taken to Ireland as a slave, he eventually escaped. Later, he returned to Ireland as a witness to the Christian faith. From his own experience, he worked against slavery. We associate the shamrock – with three leaves – with Patrick and his teaching about the Holy Trinity. A great hymn about the Trinity is attributed to Patrick. Portions include:
I bind unto myself today, the strong name of the Trinity…
I bind this day to me forever by power of faith Christ’s incarnation…
… his cross of death for my salvation
… Christ be within me…Christ in danger…
… Christ in hearts of all that love me,
Christ in mouth of friend and stranger…
Praise to the Lord of my salvation,
salvation is of Christ the Lord!
[For those who like to read history, I highly recommend “How the Irish Saved Civilization” by Thomas Cahill. Actually, anything by Cahill is informative and enjoyable reading.]