Happy Saint Patrick’s Day .
Philippians 4:12-13

12. I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound; in any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and want. 13. I can do all things in him who strengthens me.

Kidnapped as a teenager, (Saint) Patrick was smuggled to Ireland and enslaved. He became a shepherd and prayed for his release for six years. After his release, he returned to Ireland to minister to his former captives and all of Ireland. There are many legends about him, some of which are incorrect, but being ¾ Irish, I don’t really mind that some of the “traditional” symbols and emblems of the day remain today. What is important to me is, “Patrick is a Christian who became conformed to the image of Jesus Christ, above all in his forgiveness and his gratitude to God in good times and in bad. That’s typical of Gaelic Christianity. But it’s typical of pure Christianity in any country, in any nation, under every heaven.” (Maire B. de Paor, an Irish religious scholar)

I have always been proud of my Irish Catholic roots. I come from a passionate, hard-working, hearty stock and am descended from some of the strongest and most “optimistic” ancestors! I do tend to have a bit of fatalism at times, but I prefer to rephrase it as trusting that what happens is what is meant to happen. That’s a more positive way of describing the lack of struggle with “being in charge.” Most of all, the Irish endure – though abased, though abounding, in any and all circumstance.
I’ll keep it short today, and leave you with a well-known Irish blessing.

May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. The rain falls soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Mary  ¶ 8:58 AM