Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am
with you always, to the very end of the age.”
While St. Patrick's Day is now associated mostly with
"all things Irish," it is actually a celebrated by Christian people
around the world. Most people think of St. Patrick's Day as celebrating in
green and gold, wearing shamrocks, and eating corned beef and cabbage. Yet, for
Christians there is a deeper meaning to St. Patrick's Day that Christian can
learn about and practice.
Why March 17th?
There are several theories as to why St. Patrick's Day is
celebrated on March 17th each year, but most people believe that it is because
St. Patrick died on March 17th in AD 461. As the Irish emigrated from Ireland,
they took their holiday and celebrations with them, allowing everyone to
partake in the celebration of Ireland's patron saint.
How is St. Patrick's Day Commemorated?
While many people know about wearing green and shamrocks,
there are other spiritual celebrations that take place on St. Patrick's Day. In
Ireland virtually all businesses close on that day. Special masses take place
in churches around the world, and Christians partake in prayers for
missionaries around the world. Often these services precede exuberant
celebrations.
In cities around the world with large Irish populations
the post-mass celebrations include parades, Irish music and songs, and Irish
food and drink. Some cities plan large celebrations. For instance, the city of
Chicago dyes the river green every year in commemoration of the holiday and
Boston hosts one of the most prominent St. Patrick's Day parades around the
world.
What Does St. Patrick's Day Mean for Christian?
St. Patrick's Day is a celebration that holds a lot of
spiritual meaning for Christian. First, the holiday is a traditional day for
spiritual renewal. It is a day that Christian can use to reflect on their
spiritual walk and reflect on their relationship with God. St. Patrick found
that renewal, because he considered himself a pagan before he became a slave
and discovered his relationship with God through prayer.
Second, Christian can use the time to pray for
missionaries around the world and consider the calling on their lives to become
missionaries either in their schools or in other areas of the world. St.
Patrick was adept at speaking and converting pagans in Ireland, and he faced
many trials due to his mission work. Missionaries today face many of the same
trials, and need the prayers of Christians near and far.
Dear Lord, today we pray that you would be with each of
the special people that serve as missionaries around this world. Be pray for safety
for each one and that each would have a freedom of speech so they can continue
to share Your love around the world. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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