St Patrick, a Missionary Hero.

"Can a mother forget her infant, be without tenderness for the child of her womb? Even should she forget, I will never forget you." (Isaiah 49: 15).

Wednesday 17th March 2021, the feast of St Patrick. (389 - 461). British-Irish. Bishop and great Missionary. Patron saint of Ireland and Nigeria. St Patrick teaches us that persistence in prayer breaks resistance. St Patrick had a great desire to become a priest. He was opposed by powerful clerics because he was considered too old and not able to withstand the rigors of the studies involved. Convinced by the intensity of his desire, he persisted. Result: St Patrick is one of the most powerful priests that ascended the Altar of God. 

Our key Scripture for today uses a strong feminine metaphor to describe God's love for us. A woman suffering from postpartum insanity can forget the child of her womb. But God says that He is unable to forget us.

Our saint of today, St Patrick is one of the greatest missionaries in the history of the Church. Born British, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates and forced to work for years as a slave. There were times Patrick believed that God had forsaken and forgotten him. His life of prayer helped him to overcome his pessimism and to understand that God's love for him is stronger than any mother could possibly love his son. Some of us may have experienced some period of great trial and may have asked: "O God, where are You?" We remember Jesus' cry from the Cross.

God's plan for us allows hardships in order to equip us adequately for our future mission. "Accept your trials as discipline from a Father training you as a son." (Cf Hebrews 12: 7). Think of Joseph in Egypt, David, Jacob, Daniel.

God promises: "Thus says the Lord:
In a time of favor I answer you, on the day of salvation I help you." (Isaiah 49: 8).

God is faithful and will answer us in His time of favor. In the fullness of time, He makes everything beautiful. (Cf Ecclesiastes 3: 11).
The experience of St Patrick and all the heroes of our Faith mentioned above vindicates this.

Wait for the Lord. Be strong and wait for the Lord.

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com