“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1Corinthians 13:13 NKJ)
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here is a holiday that celebrates a godly man’s life for his Christian example. Although he was never officially canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, the people of Ireland continually celebrate his saintly deeds performed in their country.
Instead of quaffing beer and unbridled revelry, perhaps we might consider Patrick’s saintly example as a better means of honoring him. Think of all the good he did. I know this is difficult since much of what he did is actually shrouded in tradition, culture and historical anonymity.
Wouldn’t it be better to remember St. Patrick as a man who gave of himself to others? Here is courageous giving! We do not know all that he gave in his efforts to grow Christianity in Ireland, but his sacrificial giving was so powerful as to impact his generation, and succeeding generations, for good. We continue to celebrate his life because of his courageous giving 1550 years ago.
The celebration of a person’s life ought to consist of more than wearing green and eating corn-beef and cabbage. Courageous giving is not huge, flamboyant public relations events. Jesus said, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly” (Matthew 6:1-4 NKJ).
What about secret acts of kindness — the small gentle gestures — that touches individual lives without thought of repayment? Inquiry after a friend’s health or family issues will impact them more than other things. Cold bottled water will cause the postal carrier and/or the paper carrier to gratefully remember you. What about chocolates or doughnuts for the bank teller? How about a cappuccino for the mechanic who works on your vehicle? I am certain you get the idea . . .
Today as we don the green and celebrate our Irish heritage, let’s remember the legacy of St. Patrick as a courageous giver. People are most attracted to Christ by his love that drives our actions.
Dear Father, thank you for your courageous giving of your only Son that we might believe in him and have eternal life. Empower us to follow your example of love with our gifts. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be courageous in your giving,