Spiritual Reflection

No matter what Uncle Paddy said that nobody drove him to drink…somebody had to drive him home.  So it’s St. Patrick’s Day and they have already dyed the Chicago river green, even though St. Patrick’s representative color is blue (bet you didn’t know that).  Green has been used because of his ministry in Green Ireland.  His life is worth remembering to fully appreciate celebrating this day.

Patrick was born in Wales, not Ireland.  His real name was Maewyn Succat.  At the age of 16, he was captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave and he tended sheep for six years before he escaped.  (Interesting that he was a shepherd.)  He returned home and studied Christianity and became a priest.  He went back to Ireland and established the Christian Church.  Changed his name to Patricius which means Father Figure.  He used the green shamrock of Ireland to teach about the Trinity, and by the way, the harp is the national symbol of Ireland, not the shamrock.

But with all the celebrating that goes on this day, it’s worth remembering the interesting and rewarding life of this St. Patrick.  He made a difference!  You don’t have to like Guinness beer to celebrate the difference he made.  How about making a difference today in honor of Patrick?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!!