The clergy of Britain in Patrick’s day were not helpful when he began his mission to the Irish. As his work began to flourish and his colleagues decided to make him their bishop, the British clergy turned to slander to try to impede his work. Patrick explains in this excerpt from pages 44 and 45 of Patrick: A Devotional History:
“I was attacked by certain ones among
my seniors. It was not that I was young
that they opposed me, but they made their case
against me—mind you, not before my face,
but in my absence—for a youthful sin.
And on that shameful day did I beginto be so strongly tempted, that I might
have fallen, yes, both here and in the night
of all eternity; but God showed me
His mercy, me this humble exile. He
came mightily to bolster me and to
support me till this dreadful trial was through.
“Patrick had confessed a youthful sin to a colleague—not a recent sin, but one committed even before he was taken captive. And now that sin was dragged up to block his elevation to the episcopacy. Patrick did not try to defend himself. Evidently, the sin was still real to him, even though the Lord had forgiven him of it. He seems to have decided that, if the ecclesiastical powers in Britain were going to hold this against him, then so be it.
“This dust-up with church leaders in Britain led Patrick, without fanfare or bitterness, to break from their oversight and continue his ministry among the Irish, subject only to the leadership of his colleagues in Ireland. He found in the Word of God the authorization and guidance he needed to continue his labors. God had saved him. God had rescued him. God had called, sent, and equipped him. And God, Patrick believed, would never fail nor forsake him.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How did Jesus respond to all the injustices perpetrated against Him?
2. How should you respond when someone treats you unjustly?
Jealousy can be a deadly corrosive to the soul. The clergy in Britain were jealous of Patrick, so they tried to slander his name and cast aspersions on his work. It was this that lead Patrick to write his Confession, in which we can clearly see his faith in the goodness of God. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to talk about how to deal with injustices. You can download a free PDF copy of our 30-day devotional, Patrick: A Devotional History, by going to The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
