Feast of St. Patrick

Theme: Be good

Today the church celebrates the feast of St. Patrick, a Bishop. He was the primary patron saint of Ireland and a secondary patron saint of Nigeria; popularly referred to as the “Apostle of Ireland”. As a missionary, he impacted positively in the place where he had his missionary works. The 1st reading of today was simply a way of life for the saint whose feast we celebrate today. He was a man whose life and actions generally were guided by love of God and neighbours. He happily shared his gifts with those with whom he carried out his pastoral ministry. He gladly shared his gifts and resources with the people. This is one of the aspects of his life that we must emulate as Christians in our own time. His ministry was guided by his love for his people. Suffice it to say that St. Patrick was a true shepherd. The church and our world need true shepherds like St. Patrick. Selfless and committed shepherds, who truly care for the flock of God that is placed in their care.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the scenario that plays out in todays gospel, points out the fact that we must be patient with God and go according to his pace in everything we do. Humanly speaking, his timing may seem slow to us as humans, but it is worth always waiting for. Remember that Peter and his companions fished all night without success, and Jesus comes to tell Peter to pull the boat a bit into the water for him to preach to the people. In anger, many of us would have acted differently, but not Peter. His obedience to the voice of Jesus, was greatly rewarded at the end, with a great catch. Jesus blessed their efforts when he was done preaching to the people. Peter and his companions patiently waited for him, and they were richly blessed.

In the same way my brothers and sisters in Christ, we must never give up when we have not received our prayer request from God. Be patient and trust in his process, he will make it happen at his own time. Trust in Gpd at such moments and be resolute in your faith, he will not disappoint you. I wish you all a very happy feast day! May almighty God bless you in the name of the father and of the son and of the holy spirit. Amen. Peace be with you.

 

 

 

Feast of St. Patrick year A, by Fr. Jude Ifeanyi Ifezime, C.S.Sp