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Once again we are gathered together to celebrate the Feast of our national Patron, St Patrick. It is a day in which we are particularly conscious of our religious roots. Today we link ourselves in prayer and celebration with Irish men and women all over the world. We thank God for sending us his messenger, St Patrick, to bring us the good news of the Christian Faith. In the first reading to-day taken from Jeremiah we read the words, "Ah, Lord Yuhweh: Look I do not know how to speak". This is a very apt text for the man who began his Confession with the words: "I am Patrick, a sinner, in the eyes of many I am utterly worthless. A Christian has been described as "someone to whom God has entrusted people." It is a description which St Patrick himself embodied completely. Today we remember, celebrate and acknowledge a debt to this man whose destiny was to be so inextricably bound up with the Irish people.
When we reflect on Patrick's mission the words of St Jerome again seem appropriate and very apt: "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you came to birth I consecrated you; I have appointed you as prophet to the nations. Go now to those to whom I send you and say whatever I command you." In his Confession Patrick prays: Before he humbled me I was like a stone which lay buried in mud. But he who is mighty raised me up in mercy and now has placed me upon the very pinnacle of the wall. So I am forever bound to praise the goodness of my Lord. I beg you not to ascribe to my ignorant self whatever good I have achieved, but perceive that truly it was by God's own gift. May God never allow me to be separated from his people which he has won in the ends of the earth.
The picture of Patrick that emerges from his own writings is an appealing and an immensely human one. It would be hard to tell the whole story of my work among the Irish, detail by detail, he writes, but let me mention at least how often the merciful Lord saved me from oppression and delivered me from the perils that threatened my soul. Patrick sees the hand of God in all his work. The call of conversion was followed by the call of mission. As soon as he realised that a people had been entrusted to him he would not be deflected from his course and would henceforth preach and embody the good news of God's constant care and concern for his people. His humility was matched by his singlemindedness. He describes his successful apostolate among the Irish chieftains and people in his Confession, he "baptised thousands", "ordained clerics everywhere," "gave presents to kings', and rejoiced 'to see the Lord's flock in Ireland growing splendidly with the greatest care, the sons and daughters of kings becoming monks and virgins of Christ." His description closely re-echoes to-day's second reading from the Acts. "It made the pagans very happy to hear this and they thanked the Lord for his message; all who were destined for eternal life became believers. Thus the words of the Lord spread through the whole countryside."
On last Sunday in every Church in Ireland they began prayers for peace in our troubled land. What would Patrick say today to those who have been shooting and bombing and knee-capping for over twenty years? I don't know. But I do know what he said fifteen centuries ago to Coroticus and his soldiers who plundered and murdered some of Patrick's converts.
I, Patrick, an unlearned sinner, resident in Ireland, declare myself to be a bishop. I believe most firmly that what I am I have received from God –
With my own hand I have written down these words. I composed them to be related and passed on, in order that they may be sent to the soldiers of Coroticus ---
In their hostile behaviour they live in death - - Dripping with blood, they wallow in the slaughter of innocent Christians ---
The enemy shows his jealousy through the tyranny of Coroticus, a man without respect either for God or for his bishops. It is not permitted to court the favour of such people, to take food or drink with them or even to accept their alms. They must first make reparation to God, through rigorous penances and in floods of tears.
He who does not love his brother remains in death. How much more guilty is he who has stained his hands with the blood of the children of God.
God will judge. For it is written: not only those who do evil things but those who consent to them are to be condemned --- May God inspire them that they may come to their senses again in this regard, that they may repent, even at the last minute, of their wicked crime – murder against the brothers of the Lord – so that they may deserve to live to God and be made well, now and in eternity. (Letter to the Soldiers or Coroticus)
These are very forceful words that state clearly the guilt of those involved and their need for conversion. They have been preached often in like situations down the centuries. Let us join in prayer with the whole Christian community that all those involved in this senseless slaughter may listen at last to the pleading of us all and seek peace and reconciliation.
A Happy St Patrick Day to you all.
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