Happy St. Patrick’s Day – Why I Love the Cross

Amidst all our attention to the C-virus, I want to give attention to the cross of our Savior who took on all our sins and diseases. Now, we can profess the Apostle Peter’s words and claim them as true for us: “He himself bore our sins in his body upon the cross, so that, free from sin, we might live for righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.” (1 Peter 2:24)

I treasure this Celtic cross. It is said that the Celtic cross was first introduced by St Patrick, who was attempting to convert the pagan Irish to Christianity. Some of those pagans worshiped the sun, so Patrick combined the Christian cross with the circular pattern of the sun as a way to associate light and life with the Christian cross in the minds of his converts.

My husband loved St. Patrick and his heart for evangelization. St. Patrick was his patron saint (a saint who intercedes for you). He wore this Celtic cross most all the time. Today, it’s one of my treasured possessions. I wear it often. I’m wearing it today as a reminder of St. Patrick’s and my husband’s love for Christ. I’m also wearing green – having my own St. Paddy’s Day celebration and sweet memories — especially those of St. Patrick whose great faith changed the lives of so many.

St. Patrick was born A.D. 389 in England. At 16, was kidnapped and sold as a slave in Ireland. Six years later he escaped and returned home to Britain, but became burdened for the spiritual condition of the Irish. He returned to their land as a missionary for 30 years where he established more than 200 churches and led more than 100,000 to faith in Christ. He used the 3-leaf shamrock to talk about the Trinity. His death on March 17, 461 is remembered each year as St. Patrick’s Day.

Here we are – still reeling with all the concerns of the coronavirus. Most of us staying confined to our “safe place”. Can you imagine what must have gone through Patrick’s mind when he heard the Lord’s call to return to the land where he was once a slave? Instead of running to his safe place, he followed God’s plan for his life. And, isn’t that exactly what we are called to do?

Listen to how utterly consumed St. Patrick was in his relationship with God in his prayer: ”I arise today through God’s strength to pilot me, God’s might to uphold me, God’s wisdom to guide me, God’s eye to look before me, God’s ear to hear me, God’s word to speak for me, God’s hand to guard me. Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise. Christ in the heart of everyone one who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me. I arise today through His mighty strength.” That prayer tells me St. Patrick wanted to be consumed by God!

And, that’s what I believe would provide 100% protection from any plague or disease. If we became saturated – through and through with Christ, and His precious blood that He shed for you and me, then we would be invincible and impenetrable.

St. Patrick boldly listened to God’s call for his life and achieved so much for God’s glory. His witness, his prayers, and his example should be celebrated today. This blog and the green I wear today honors him and honors the God he served. I’m in good company with him because I also desire to be consumed by Christ. St. Patrick’s prayer is my prayer, too!