St. Patrick

Jesus left that place and came to his hometown, and his disciples followed him. On the sabbath he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were astounded. They said, “Where did this man get all this? What is this wisdom that has been given to him? What deeds of power are being done by his hands! Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary and brother of James and Joses and Judas and Simon, and are not his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him. Then Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor, except in their hometown, and among their own kin, and in their own house.” And he could do no deed of power there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and cured them. And he was amazed at their unbelief.

Then he went about among the villages teaching. He called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits. He ordered them to take nothing for their journey except a staff; no bread, no bag, no money in their belts; but to wear sandals and not to put on two tunics. He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave the place. If any place will not welcome you and they refuse to hear you, as you leave, shake off the dust that is on your feet as a testimony against them.” So they went out and proclaimed that all should repent. They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. Mark 6:1-13

It is a somber St. Patrick's day here in Massachusetts. The big parade was cancelled as have all the crazy parties that happen normally at all the bars. Restaurants and bars are closed here. In Ireland, it has always been a somber day, with folks attending mass to honor their patron saint. Patrick was born in England and taken captive by Irish pirates in his teens and sold into slavery in Ireland. He escaped, only to return to the people who enslaved him, bringing Gospel love and acceptance. He honored their culture and identity as he offered the Good news. He "indigenized" the Gospel and by doing so so honored God and the people, they claim him as their own and are still a nation of believers.

Jesus sent his disciples out, telling them to live among the people.  Patrick, more than any other missionary in the early church, lived out Christ's direction. He shared his peace, his heart and his life with them, despite the fact that the land was home to his enslaved life and the people responsible for his captivity. We are invited today to live among the people, honoring the lives and culture, sharing our peace and our whole lives with them.

Today, I ask God to help me be present, peaceful and accepting of the people where I minister. May we all share God's love right where we are, today.