Tomorrow, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated all over the world. Does that seem odd when most of the world is not Irish and not everyone is Catholic. So, why do the rest of us non-Irish non-Catholics like celebrating this day?
St. Patrick was born in Britain in the 4th century. He was kidnapped as a teenager and made a slave by Irish raiders. He escaped after six years and returned to Britain and became a priest. Amazingly, he later chose to return to Ireland as a missionary. It is said that he used the shamrock to help explain the concept of the Trinity to the Irish pagans. Even through continuous opposition from the Irish, he continued to evangelize for thirty years and established monasteries, churches, and schools. He died on March 17.
Over the years, the holiday has grown to include many non-religious traditions mixed in with celebrating the Irish heritage. Though wearing green clothing and eating green food may not seem to have much to do with St. Patrick and the God he worshipped, it brings to mind that hanging icicle lights from our roofs and decorating with poinsettias don’t have much to do with celebrating Christ’s birth, either. Do we stop celebrating because of this? I think not. I think we can teach our children and pass the word along about a man who overcame great odds to be used by the Sovereign Lord to bring many to a saving knowledge of Him. I think we can teach our children about missionary work, the doctrine of the Trinity, and the awesome love of God by using this day as a tool. And if we use a little green food coloring along the way, eat a bit of Irish stew, and don our green attire, the better to celebrate, my dear!
