Daily Reflection Tuesday of the Second Week of Lent

Even though St. Patrick's Day was Yesterday, as someone born in Ireland, I celebrate all month long.



A hypocrite in the time of Jesus was an actor. Jesus did not want his followers to be like the scribes and Pharisees who pretended to be good and holy and then would not be kind and caring for their people. He was again warning them not to seek power and places of honor over being servants and the least of all.



He wanted them to practice what they preach. Practice what he preached. Put God first, love your neighbor and forgive. These are the things we are all expected to do. Not always easy but always worth it.



On this Saint Patrick’s Day, I would not be a good Irishman if I did not mention Patrick’s living out Jesus’ teachings. He was born into nobility in Britian, kidnapped by Irish pirates, placed into slavery tending flocks of sheep. He spent six years in captivity. After he escaped, he started his studies and eventually became a Bishop. He asked the Pope to send him to Ireland so he could convert the people to Christianity. In captivity he learned about the pagan rituals and used them to his advantage to show the Irish that God was more powerful than the kings and their pagan rituals.



He is a great example of forgiveness. His love of the Irish people took him from tending their flocks of sheep to becoming the shepherd of the people. The people were now his flock, and he converted Ireland to Christianity. He was no hypocrite.

Back in the day Patrick may have said go mbeannaí Dia thú. Only God knows how many people he may have said that to in Irish, in english it means God Bless You. May we all be like Patrick, forgiving, humble servents and not hyprocrites.



Happy St. Patrick’s Day, all month long, and go mbeannaí Dia thú.