Let’s face reality, spring is upon us. Soon we will set our clocks ahead and begin enjoying more and more of that luxurious warm sun that seemed far away during the winter months. March 17th brings that traditional rite of passage into spring, St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day has become a secular holiday celebrated with huge parties and lots of alcohol, but believe it or not, it has not always been that way.
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In preparation for this article, I did a little research on St. Patrick and the circumstances surrounding the holiday named in his honor. It seems that Patrick was a Catholic bishop who was appointed to Ireland in the Fifth Century. History tells us that during his ministry he won many converts and was widely known for his beliefs. In addition, tradition holds that the shamrock became associated with St. Patrick because he used the three-leafed stem to describe the Trinity to the pagans of Ireland.
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So, I don’t just say happy March to you, I say happy St. Patrick’s Day. Wear your green hats and shamrocks proud. Take time to speak of the Trinity with someone who needs to hear about it and spread the good news of Christ’s love. Take St. Paddy’s Day back to its roots, make it all about the gospel.