Saint Paddy’s Day is here! Let’s grab some Guinness and have a cheer, oh my dear! Hot damn this is one of my favorite holidays. I Love the Celtic tradition and how the Irish get their day of celebration. The festival has become more of a cultural event today (thank God). People wearing green outfits, drinking beer, listening to some Flogging Molly and consuming traditional Irish food. Aye, let’s keep it going!
However, I do believe the festival presents an opportunity to reflect on the current state of Christianity and its relevance in today’s society (yes, buzz kill). Is it still needed? Many don’t think so but I think the spirit of Saint Patrick can shed light on how maybe the Jesus Way can still be important.
And no, it’s not driving snakes out of Ireland (maybe symbolically it can be for you?). I think the best way, with any type of spiritual tradition, is not so much the appeal to non-Christians but to the participants of this faith themselves. Of, course that doesn’t mean what I am writing isn’t for everybody (it is!).
Its always an in-house conversation. What “outsiders” only need from us is love and service (just my two-cents). Also, these aren’t suggestions to do on the actual holiday (you can of course), its more of a way of seeing this holiday as a guiding point.
3 Ways Saint Patrick’s Day can revive Christianity
Contemplation
Saint Patrick’s Day provides an opportunity for Christians to reflect on the values and teachings of Jesus. Although the festival has become more of a secular celebration (which is all good), it still represents a meaningful occasion for Christians to reflect on their faith.
Saint Patrick was known for his devotion to God, his compassion for others, and his ability to spread the message of love and service to people.
His life and teachings continue to inspire Christians worldwide to follow his example. Saint Patrick’s Day can, therefore, be a reminder to Christians to re-examine their priorities and recommit to living out their faith. Meditation and prayer were huge for St. Patrick, as he writes:
“The love of God grew in me more and more, as did the faith, and my soul was roused, so that, in a single day, I have said as many as a hundred prayers and in the night, nearly the same… I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain.”
Connection
This holiday is an excellent opportunity for Christians to reflect on how too engage with their communities and build relationships with other people. Christians are called to love and serve others, and Saint Patrick’s Day offers them an opportunity to put this into practice.
We always want to stay in our little tribes, but sometimes we need to expand out and explore. I mean shit, good old Saint Paddy was captured by pirates at age 16 and shipped away to Ireland where he found his life purpose…you never know?
Saint Patrick’s Day can help Christians to address issues facing their communities and society at large. Saint Patrick was known for his advocacy for serving the least among us, and he worked tirelessly to improve the lives of people.
As such, Christians can use this day to reflect on the societal issues in their communities and help bring about the healthy change needed. Saint Patrick’s Day can be a rallying point for Christians to work towards creating a more loving and peaceful society.
Camaraderie
Saint Patrick’s Day can help Christians to appreciate the diversity and richness of all walks of life. The festival is celebrated by people from different cultures and backgrounds, and they bring their unique traditions and practices.
It doesn’t matter what creed, political party, how woke or conservative you are. This celebration can help us just embrace our differences and enjoy our similarities (believe it or not we all have some).
It is an occasion to put aside their differences and come together in a spirit of love and unity. Celebrate and enjoy your mates!
This holiday presents an opportunity for Jesus people to reflect on their faith, engage with their communities, advocate for peace, appreciate connection, and renew their commitment to prayer and spiritual growth.
The festival may have lost some of its religious significance over the years (maybe that’s a good thing), but Christians can still use it as an opportunity to show love to others.
Saint Patrick’s Day is a reminder that Christianity is not so much a set of beliefs, but a way of life that calls for love, service, and sacrifice. As we celebrate this festival, let us all be inspired by the life and teachings of Saint Patrick and strive to make a positive impact in our communities and the world. At least maybe it’ll help you appreciate that green beer a tad bit more.
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