St Patrick | 17 March

Today is Wednesday the 17 March, the feast of St Patrick, in the fourth week of Ordinary time.  

Moira Smiley sings ‘I Have Hoped, O Lord, in You’, a setting of Psalm 71, by Steven Faux.  

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah.  

Jeremiah 1:4-9

Now the word of the Lord came to me saying,
‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,
and before you were born I consecrated you;
I appointed you a prophet to the nations.’
Then I said, ‘Ah, Lord God! Truly I do not know how to speak, for I am only a boy.’ But the Lord said to me,
‘Do not say, “I am only a boy”;
for you shall go to all to whom I send you,
and you shall speak whatever I command you.
Do not be afraid of them,
for I am with you to deliver you, says the Lord.’
Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth; and the Lord said to me,
‘Now I have put my words in your mouth.

Today is the feast day of St Patrick, Celtic saint and patron of Ireland and Nigeria. Patrick’s historical self, mingled with a number of legends, make him a figure truly larger than life, and something of a paradox. Despite being in Lent, St Patrick’s feast day is joyously celebrated by many.  What do I know about St Patrick? How is Patrick significant in my faith life?   

The scripture reading speaks of the calling of Jeremiah to be a prophet, to bring the Lord’s Word to his people.  It was a calling that went back to the time before he was born but a calling that he still doubts. For Patrick, it was a voice he heard after his conversion. A plea from the Irish people, "We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us." How have I felt called to be God’s messenger?    

As I hear the scripture again, I imagine myself as Jeremiah (and Patrick), hearing the Lord’s confidence in me, calling me to him.  

How do I respond to knowing that I am known by God? In my prayer, can I give myself to God’s purpose and thank God for the blessings that are given to me?    

You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace,
that is enough for me.