Assignment: Read this article (link in post below) about the origin of St. Patrick’s Day. Write a 200-300 (word count is fluid…this is just something to aim for) word post about this article. You can write an overview or you can focus in on one aspect. Perhaps you have a family memory or tradition that ties into the article.
Oh, so this is the history behind March 17? Until now, no one had ever taken the time to explain the history behind St. Patrick’s Day. I must admit that I never bothered to research it myself. The day has always been unattractive to me. So, I dismissed the idea, believing that it doesn’t apply to me whatsoever. I don’t personally know anyone who truly honours Patrick on his day either. A few friends wear green, in keeping with some tradition. They prefer to avoid those lurking gremlins who await to pinch those who don’t have on the colour of the shamrock. After reading this article, I’m seeing that this holiday has potential for great things in our community, in our world, if done right.
Patrick, apparently, was an evangelist. Ireland was his mission field, where he used the gospel message to reach people for God’s kingdom. How cool is that?! And this was all before satellite, television, internet, social media were even a shred of thought. Patrick worked hard to share Christ and His gift of salvation with people who didn’t know him. He used neat illustrations, like the shamrock to teach of the Trinity. This leaf contains one stem, yet from it grows three distinct petals. This was over 1500 years ago. To me, it reinforces how strong and how steadfast God is. The message has not and will never change. The method of delivery and the beliefs of the deliverers vary, but God is still the same.
He is.
Sounds to me like St. Patrick’s Day has been robbed of a good thing. People use this day to binge drink, getting sloshed over a name. Why not use this day for community outreach? This is the chance to copy Patrick and evangelize. Steer clear of liquor–it only impairs your judgment. Instead, keep a clear mind and open heart and share the Good News with someone else. If talking about God aloud is too scary, then do an act of kindness for someone else. That’s still evangelism.
Hmm, I will be rethinking this day from now on. St. Patrick’s Do Something Day.