Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Easter is a long way away. We need a recharge from the process of recharging our souls with the work of repentance. My wife, Anna, is 92% Irish decent. It goes without saying that we will be celebrating that heritage and the life of Saint Patrick. No, we will not be getting drunk on green beer or eating too many sweets with green food coloring, but we will celebrate as a family the holy life of Saint Patrick. On this day everyone is in a good mood, and everyone loves one another. Our daughter and granddaughter are excited about coming to our house for dinner. We have invited neighbors.
Our Bishop has given a dispensation for eating meat this Friday and my wife plans on making either corned beef or Irish bacon. Even if the bishop had not given a dispensation, we would celebrate with Colcannon which is an Irish mixture of potatoes and vegetables, and soda bread. The day is special. Jesus said in today’s Gospel, You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.
Today every one loves God and one another. Jesus is reminding us that everyday should be Saint Patrick’s Day. Everyday we have the opportunity to love God more and our neighbor. We should be doing this all through Lent and every other day of the year. This feel good celebration should be how we act everyday of our lives and not just today. Hosea 14:10 Who is wise enough to understand these things? Who is intelligent enough to know them? Straight are the paths of the LORD, the just walk in them, but sinners stumble in them.
There are some who many do not care about Saint Patrick’s Day or loving God and loving their neighbor. Saint Patrick converted a pagan society, and we can convert the pagan parts of our society. The important point is not to lose heart. Jesus encouraged the scribe by saying, When Jesus saw that [he] answered with understanding, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And no one dared to ask him any more questions. I we listen to Jesus the Kingdom of God is not far for us either.
Irish Blessing
May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, The rains fall soft upon your fields and, Until we meet again may God hold you in the palm of His hand.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
PS: Please pray for Cancer victims and their caregivers. Pray for Peace in the Ukraine. Pray for the salvation and physical and emotional health of the Ukrainian people. Pray for the salvation of Russia.
