Today is March 17, the optional memorial of St. Patrick.
At today’s Mass, we read: “O Lord, we are shamefaced, like our kings, our princes, and our fathers, for having sinned against you. But yours, O Lord, our God, are compassion and forgiveness!” (Dn 9:8-9).
Today, the Church celebrates the memorial of St. Patrick of Ireland. Many people will celebrate St. Patrick as a secular holiday with parades, green beer, and chocolate coins. We do not often think of our sins and God’s mercy on St. Paddy’s Day!
However, the real St. Patrick is an example of fighting sin and growing in virtue. He is an example of true Christian holiness. Looking at St. Patrick’s “Confessio,” the Apostle of Ireland leaves us many beautiful meditations for Lent. One in particular is related to today’s reading from Daniel.
Having confidence in God’s mercy
St. Patrick writes: “I know to some extent how I have not led a perfect life like other believers. But I acknowledge this to my Lord, and I do not blush in his sight” (“Confessio,” 44).
Conversion of heart is required for living the Christian life zealously. To convert, we must turn from an inferior way of life and embrace a loftier one.
St. Patrick experienced this in his own life. He acknowledges his sinful past but knows he has been saved by the grace of God. St. Patrick reminds us that we can be confident in God’s mercy, despite the shame we may feel for past sins and misdeeds. However sinful and depraved our past might be, it can only be interpreted in light of God’s mercy and love for us.
Let us pray,
O God, who chose the Bishop Saint Patrick to preach your glory to the peoples of Ireland, grant, through his merits and intercession, that those who glory in the name of Christian may never cease to proclaim your wondrous deeds to all. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
