The Feast of St Patrick | Friday 17 March 2023

Today is Friday the 17th of March, the feast of St Patrick, in the third week of Lent.


One Hope Project sings, ‘In Your Truth’. As I listen, I place myself now before the God of truth, the God with whom I can be completely open and honest, the God with whom there is no pretension, the God who knows me better than I know myself.

I’ve found hope in one unchanging
I’ve found a friend in the great I Am
I’ve found peace in the Lord Almighty
Perfect love meets me as I am
In Your truth I am found
In Your arms I am home
In Your grace I’m restored
In Your love is where I belong
I’ve been saved by the King of Kingdoms
I’ve found life in the Risen One
I’m set free by the Lord of justice
Perfect peace tеlls me who I am
In Your loving arms
I am safe and sеcure
In Your loving arms
I’m adored

Today’s reading is from the Prophet Jeremiah.

Jer 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.'

Born to be a prophet, the timid, fearful Jeremiah shrinks from God’s specific call.

God’s response is to empower.

What a conversation. Apart from the content of the conversation, Jeremiah seems quite unsurprised that God might address him directly. It’s a normal occurrence, perhaps, for a prophet-to-be. Is it your experience to converse with God naturally? And can you tell God exactly how you feel?


“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you.” How does that picture speak to you?


As you listen to the passage again, focus on the contrast between Jeremiah’s forlorn sense of self and God’s profound belief in him.


You might be inspired by this conversation. Your heart might go out to Jeremiah. You might be in awe of the God who appoints clearly and equips powerfully like this. Whatever your response, speak with God, just as naturally as Jeremiah, about whatever has stirred in you today.


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.
Amen.