Top o’ da mornin’ to ya! And a Happy St. Patrick’s Day too!
Just the other day, when my wife was completing a project for work, I got to reading the story of St. Patrick once again. For those of you who have not read it or do not really know what it is about, you should definitely check out the VeggieTales video posted at the end of this blog entry. Essentially, he was the missionary who brought Christianity to Ireland. Along with how Valentine’s Day was named after a Saint, so was March 17.
However, as I sat in the office this morning, all the sudden it hit me. Why does it not seem like such a “religious” or Christian holiday today? And why do many people get drunk to celebrate (something the Bible clearly speaks against, and probably something St. Patrick probably did not promote)? Come to find out, it seems that many in Ireland still celebrate it as a religious holiday. It is just not that way in America. In fact, the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the US was in Boston with a parade. It seems like, for the most part, it is just another excuse to get together and party. As for the alcohol, that all started out when the Catholic Church stated that, in order to celebrate St. Patrick, people were not required to keep their fast from meet and alcohol on that day. Consider it a step away from their Lenten commitment. And because of that, people went overboard…and have ever since.
So, what are you planning on doing for St. Patrick’s Day? Are you wearing your green to avoid getting pinched by your classmates (or co-workers…)? Are you throwing a party? Are you eating your corned beef and cabbage? Even though my last name is Irish, I do not normally celebrate this holiday by doing much more than wearing a bit of green and telling people, “Happy St. Patty’s Day!” Although, in light of being reminded of why it became a holiday in the first place, maybe I should start doing something more spiritual. So, here is my first thought. Let’s thank God for missionaries this St. Patrick’s Day! It was because of a missionary that this holiday even exists, so it only makes sense.
I will leave you with this one last thought — an Irish blessing: “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”
Steve Cullum 