We begin a series of readings from our book, Patrick: A Devotional History. Most people have heard of St. Patrick, and most of them know almost nothing about him. In our daily excerpts we’ll begin with a reading from Patrick’s writings, together with others, and then our comments will follow. Here is Patrick in his own words, in his Confession, as we begin our readings from Patrick: A Devotional History, pages 7 and 8:
“My name is Patrick, and for sixty years
I have, with many labors, joys, and tears,
proclaimed the Name of Jesus in these parts—
although I know within my heart of hearts
I am a most uncultivated man,
the least of all the faithful in this land,
and looked upon with scorn by many. I
have sought, with all my strength, the Lord on high
to serve, not seeking status, wealth, or fame,
but just the celebration of the Name
of Him Who looked on me with mercy when
I was an ingrate, and the slave of men.
“Patrick ministered among the Irish for nearly sixty years. He was not the first Christian to serve the Lord in Ireland. Several before him had established beachheads here and there.”
“Patrick did not regard himself as subject to the Catholic bishops of Britain or to any other ecclesiastical authorities. God had called him to Ireland and blessed his humble and faithful obedience with a great harvest of souls. A colleague, Sechnaill, in the first hymn written in Ireland, Audite Omness Amantes, referred to Patrick as a ‘pope’, which may have been a deliberate attempt to establish the independence from Rome of Patrick and his ministry.
“In two verbs Patrick summarized his ministry: ‘proclaimed’ and ‘celebrated.’ In both cases the object was Jesus. Patrick did much else besides—founding churches, ordaining shepherds over the flocks, teaching literacy, caring for the poor, freeing captives and slaves, and more—but he saw all his work as falling under these two headings. He was entirely focused on Jesus, to make Him known and bring Him honor. This is what is most important about Patrick, for in this focus, and the ways he expressed it in his writings, Patrick laid the foundation of what would become a great awakening to faith that lasted nearly 400 years.”
For reflection or discussion
1. Patrick was clear about his calling to the Irish people. How would you describe your calling from the Lord?
2. Patrick worked His mission field diligently. How’s the work going in your Personal Mission Field?
Patrick’s story should be an encouragement to us all. Our little lives can matter if we will open ourselves totally to God’s will. Patrick lit the wick of a revival that, in the words of Thomas Cahill, “saved civilization.” Surely God can use each of us in a similar way. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then go to The Ailbe Bookstore and download the free PDF of Patrick: A Devotional History, and learn more about this great saint.
