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The Fledgling--Week of March 15, 2019
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We have reached one of the few times of the liturgical calendar where the entire country, religious or not, celebrates a saint's feast. I speak, of course, of St. Patrick's Day, on March 17th.
St. Patrick is commonly held to be the patron saint of Ireland, and so his holiday here in the States generally is a celebration of Irish ancestry and heritage. Truthfully, however, the story is more complex than that (and isn't it always?)
In Ireland itself, Patrick is well-regarded, but is only one among a handful of national saints (including St. Brigid, whose feast on Feb 1 marks the start of spring, and is perhaps even more popular than Patrick's.) Patrick the person wasn't even Irish: he was Scottish, and was kidnapped and sold into slavery by Irish pirates. He later returned to Ireland to preach the gospel, after receiving a call from God.
Perhaps that's why St. Patrick's Day is so important here in the United States. The Irish community here was formed by immigrants fleeing British oppression, and a deadly famine. They saw in Patrick a kindred spirit, who made his home in a new land, despite horrible circumstances. (And, of course, the waves of immigrants to these shores were not exactly welcomed with open arms, either.).
The stories of saints have always been another way to see our own life experiences reflected through the lens of our faith. Patrick offers us a way, not only to drink green beer, and eat soda bread, but to contemplate what it means to be a foreigner, making a home in a new place. To think about what gifts the stranger can offer to us, as God brings stranger and neighbor together.
If you have a submission to the Fledgling, send it to the office by Thursday morning for inclusion on Friday. Bulletin announcements should be into the office by Wednesday morning.
- If you know of someone who would like to receive the Fledgling, please send their email to the office.
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Prayer for the week
O God, whose glory it is always to have mercy: Be gracious to all who have gone astray from your ways, and bring them again with penitent hearts and steadfast faith to embrace and hold fast the unchangeable truth of your Word, Jesus Christ your Son; who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen
Readings for this Sunday
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Have you had coffee/tea/hot cider with Mtr Megan? Send me an email and come by to chat! It's fun (I promise) and helps me get to know everyone better! |
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