Erin go bragh!
Erin go bragh!
You didn't think I'd pass up a gimme like this, did you?
Given the way our society has secularized St. Patrick's Day, it's easy to forget that Patrick was not only a Christian but a man of the church who evangelized in a hostile environment. No corned beef, no beer, no shamrocks or leprechauns for him. Just good old fashioned spreading of the Gospel.
During Lent, we have a chance to consider when we might share God's good news, whether through story or action with others, when we've failed to do so, and how we might do better go forward. Telling others about how God has made a difference in our lives might seem almost outre in today's world, in which we so often hear we shouldn't push our beliefs on others. But given that others will tell our story for us -- and oft-times in the least flattering way possible -- it behooves Christians to find new ways of sharing the Gospel with its message of reconciliation, redemption, and renewal.
Otherwise, the Story will be lost in favor of a story and, instead of having the inspiration of the saints, we'll have empty rituals, dates on a calendar divorced from the life-giving reality that transformed so many and have the power to do so today.
So if you want to celebrate St. Patrick today, put down that shamrock and pick up your bible -- and share it with someone!
You didn't think I'd pass up a gimme like this, did you?
Given the way our society has secularized St. Patrick's Day, it's easy to forget that Patrick was not only a Christian but a man of the church who evangelized in a hostile environment. No corned beef, no beer, no shamrocks or leprechauns for him. Just good old fashioned spreading of the Gospel.
During Lent, we have a chance to consider when we might share God's good news, whether through story or action with others, when we've failed to do so, and how we might do better go forward. Telling others about how God has made a difference in our lives might seem almost outre in today's world, in which we so often hear we shouldn't push our beliefs on others. But given that others will tell our story for us -- and oft-times in the least flattering way possible -- it behooves Christians to find new ways of sharing the Gospel with its message of reconciliation, redemption, and renewal.
Otherwise, the Story will be lost in favor of a story and, instead of having the inspiration of the saints, we'll have empty rituals, dates on a calendar divorced from the life-giving reality that transformed so many and have the power to do so today.
So if you want to celebrate St. Patrick today, put down that shamrock and pick up your bible -- and share it with someone!
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