St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated every year on March 17, but why? Many who celebrate have only a vague idea that there was a real man — a Christian — named Patrick. He was born in Britain to a Christian family, but he didn’t accept Christ until after he was kidnapped at age 15 by Irish pirates and sold to a harsh Druid man in Ireland. Patrick was forced to work as a herdsman by his captors, and during that time he would pray for hours. At age 22, he escaped and returned to Britain. But several years later, he had a dream calling him back to Ireland to minister to its people. Heeding this call, Patrick journeyed throughout Ireland, sharing Christ until his death, thought to have been around March 17, A.D. 461. Whether you’re wearing green or not, remember the story of the Christian witness behind St. Patrick’s Day. ~ Voice of the Martyrs - USA (FB Post 3/17/21)
A year after having the proverbial rug pulled out from under us, we find ourselves having adapted to the post-lock-down world. It’s is Saint Patrick’s Feast Day again and much of the traditional activity is resuming, albeit with appropriate restrictions. I’ve shared a Facebook post from the Voice of the Martyrs organization because it serves as a reminder to Christians who enjoy the freedom and unincumbered religious living that, even under the worst of circumstances, the LORD is at work for the sake of the Kingdom. VOM reminds free Christians that persecution and suffering for Christ occur daily in many parts of the world. What’s more, those suffering saints, like Patrick grow the Kingdom of Christ despite their sorrows. Therefore, let us take a moment amid celebrations of Irish culture, stout, and green things, to give thanks for liberty and pray for those who suffer for Christ. Let us repent of complaining and apathy toward our shared calling and join the LORD wherever we witness His presence and activity. “Amen.”
Jesus, who harrowed hell; who is not undone at the destructive force of the hottest fires this world can burn; who knows the name of each casualty, numbers the hairs of each individual, stands next to each overwhelmed physician [and all who’ve striven against the tide of negativity ~ DLS]; who exploits every opening that evil leaves, turning the tables on the propaganda of despair, knocking the teeth out of hopelessness, bellowing a song of healing. ~ Elizabeth Glass Turner (“The Indecency of Hope.” Good News Magazine, February 8, 2021. https://goodnewsmag.org/2021/01/the-indecency-of-hope/.)
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