Pondering March 2021

We are living in challenging times. Just this last month we all experienced things we never thought would happen, not only over four inches of snow, but weather cold enough to keep it on the ground for an extended period of time. And while we turned down our thermostat, explored alternative heating sources and stayed in touch with our inner caveman considering hibernating for a week or two, many of us wondered if a single individual can make a difference. The short answer is, YES!Let me introduce you to one of my heroes of the faith St. Patrick. While his birthday is clouded in uncertainty, his day of death is established as March 17, the date we are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. His life is connected to Ireland and in communities with a strong Irish background, e.g. Chicago, IL, the Irish have parades, rivers are colored green, and even the beer that flows rather freely is often “enhanced” by green food coloring.Patrick grew up as a British teenager until he was kidnapped by Irish raiders — child trafficking — who took him to Ireland and forced him to become a sheep herder — yes, a pastor. He spent several years as slave in the Irish society, learning their language and customs, and was also able to build up his faith in Jesus Christ. When he had the opportunity he escaped from Ireland and returned to Britain. He studied and went into ministry, only to receive the call from GOD to return to the country of his former slave masters to present Christ to them.He had numerous encounters with Irish chieftains and was able to present Christ to them and through his active prayer life and ministry he converted a vast number of leaders to Christianity defeating Druidry, the nature focussed religion of the Irish. Among other things he founded a monastery that later on became a Christian stronghold at the very western frontier of Europe, keeping the faith, cherishing the Word of GOD, and leading believers into a living and life-giving relationship with the Holy Spirit. Why green? Not only is Ireland the green island, but I am convinced it has to do with one of Patrick’s most successful teaching tool, the three-leafed clover. One of the chieftains asked Patrick to explain the nature of the Trinity — God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Patrick picked up a three-leafed clover and explained that the three were distinct, yet of one substance just like the three leaves of the clover he held in his hand. While this image may come with some theological questions it is a helpful illustration created in the early fifth century, just around the time the Nicene Creed strengthened the Trinitarian concept of three-in-one. When we are celebrating St. Patrick we are giving thanks to GOD for a theologian, church planter, adventurer, that obediently followed the guidance of the Hols Spirit and made Christ known to the very end of his sphere of influence.I also decided to include St. Patrick’s Shield in this newsletter. This is a prayer that is ascribed to St. Patrick. While people might debate if it truly originated with him, the truth that praying and living that prayer will strengthen a believer’s spiritual health is beyond question.

Wear green and be fruitful to the glory of GOD!

In CHRIST’s Unfailing Love

Pastor J. Paul <><

The Prayer of St. Patrick of Ireland (St. Patrick’s Shield)(*389 - +461)

I bind unto myself today The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in one and One in Three.

I bind this day to me forever, By power of faith, Christ’s incarnation; His baptism in the Jordan river; His death on the cross for my salvation. His bursting from the spiced tomb; His riding up the heavenly way; His coming at the day of doom I bind unto myself today.

I bind unto myself today The virtues of the star-lit heaven, The glorious sun’s life-giving ray, The whiteness of the moon at even, The flashing of the lightning free, The whirling wind’s tempestuous shocks, The stable earth, the deep salt sea Around the old eternal rocks.

I bind unto myself today the power of GOD to hold and lead, GOD’s eye to watch, GOD’s might to stay, GOD’s ear to hearken to my need, The wisdom of my GOD to teach, GOD’s hand to guide, GOD’s shield to ward, The Word of GOD to give me speech, GOD’s heavenly host to be my guard.

Christ be with me, Christ within me, Christ behind me, Christ before me, Christ beside me, Christ to win me, Christ to comfort and restore me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ in quiet, Christ in danger, Christ in hearts of all that love me, Christ in mouths of friend and stranger.

I bind unto myself the Name, The strong Name of the Trinity, By invocation of the same, The Three in One, the One in Three, Of whom all nature has creation, Eternal Father, Spirit, Word. Praise to the LORD of my salvation, Salvation is of Christ the LORD.

Amen.