We all have people in our lives who have helped us grow in the Lord. That must have been true for Patrick as well, and to me, Ailbe of Emly is the most likely candidate to have been a mentor for Patrick. Today’s excerpt from Patrick: A Devotional History, is found on pages 20 and 21:
“Can we gain anything more from this brief mention of Patrick in the Life of St. Ailbe? Perhaps. Ailbe would have had experience in evangelism, that seems certain. It’s hard to imagine a community of believers gathering around him unless at least some of those had been led to Christ through his preaching and teaching.
“Did Patrick learn to evangelize from Ailbe? Was his initial instruction in the faith and preparation for his ministry undertaken at Emly?
“Again, we do not know. It makes more sense to me that Patrick would have gone straight to Ireland following his visions to find the nearest Christian community from which to launch his ministry. Reports following the Synod of Whitby of Patrick having been trained in a Catholic monastery on the continent, or to have been commissioned and sent by the pope, are more far-fetched and unlikely, it seems to me.
“We remember Patrick for all the reasons we’ve seen in this study. But we must also not forget to praise God for those like Ailbe who had a hand in Patrick’s ministry.
“All of Ireland was not converted by Patrick, but very much of Ireland heard the Gospel because of his work. And because of the selfless and effective ministry of men like Ailbe in preparing and supporting Patrick throughout his ministry.”
For reflection or discussion
1. J. I. Packer wrote that there is always someone in our lives whom we can lead closer to Jesus (Finishing Our Course with Joy). Who is leading you closer to Jesus? Have you thanked them lately?
2. And whom are you leading closer to Jesus? How can you improve that part of your work for the Lord?
All believers are commissioned by Jesus to make disciples. Ailbe understood that, as did Patrick in his generation. What about us? Are we actively seeking to help other believers grow in the faith? Are we faithfully sharing the Gospel as God gives us opportunity? Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to encourage one another in the work of making disciples. Your copy ofPatrick: A Devotional History is waiting for you at The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
