St. Patrick

It's finally here: the global celebration of a Briton who went to Ireland, supposedly drove out the snakes, and converted the population to Christianity while forging the Irish identity all so we could gather in pubs and drink beer.  Sarcastic? Yes.

Honestly, I can't think that the way we celebrate St. Patrick's Day would really please the saint.  If we wanted to do something he'd approve of, perhaps we might pursue reconciliation: this was the guy who was supposedly sold into slavery by Irish captors, only to gain his freedom -- to return to them to do his holy work.  If you're estranged from somebody try to heal the rift.  If you're convinced someone else is wrong, give the matter a second thought.  If you think being pigheaded is what the Lord wants, try again.  St. Patrick's Day falls during Lent.  That makes it a perfect time to repent, among other things.

So let us seek forgiveness for building barriers, for setting ourselves apart, for failing to renew frayed ties.  Happy St. Patrick's Day.

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