March 17, 2005

Today is the feast day of St. Patrick. It is a solemnity for us in the Archdiocese of New York. When Patrick was a youth, he was kidnapped and forced into slavery in Ireland. After six years of menial labor, he escaped and made his way back home. He could have become bitter and resentful. He could have returned with an army to take revenge on his captors. Isn’t this the attitude we see in so many corners of the world today, including Northern Ireland?

Like Joseph in the Old Testament (Genesis 42-50), Patrick saw God’s hand in the whole affair. God had a plan. Motivated by a deep love and the conviction that he was on a mission from God, Patrick became a bishop and returned to the land of his former captivity. Instead of the sword, Patrick brought the two-edged sword of God’s word, the Gospel of Peace and Forgiveness. Did he know how many people down through the ages would be blessed because of his ministry? St. Patrick’s “yes” to God’s plan was like a rock thrown into the pond of God’s grace. The ripples are still traveling out.

When difficulties arise in our lives, let us follow the example of Joseph and St. Patrick. Let us trust in God and respond with love. We can become bitter or better, the difference is in the “i”. What will I do? Countless people who don’t even exist yet are waiting to experience the ripples of God’s grace which will flow from our saying “yes” to God’s plan. We are on a mission from God!

Let us pray for each other,

Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
Vocations Director, residing at Saint Joseph Friary in Harlem, New York

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