VERSATILE AND ENDURING

“I arise today, through
the strength of heaven,
the light of the sun,
the radiance of the moon,
the splendor of fire,
the speed of lightning,
the swiftness of wind,
the depth of the sea,
the stability of the earth,
the firmness of rock.
I arise today, through
God’s strength to pilot me,
God’s might to uphold me,
God’s wisdom to guide me,
God’s eye to look before me,
God’s ear to hear me,
God’s word to speak for me,
God’s hand to guard me,
God’s shield to protect me.
Amen.”            - Saint Patrick
 
The words above are a portion of a prayer written by Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. The church observes March 17, the day of his death, as a feast day. In this prayer, Patrick expresses a deep and wide understanding of God’s presence, both in the elements of creation, but also through active intervention in his own life. To recall the details of his life really puts some context behind this belief - not just wishful thinking, but as lived experience.
 
Contrary to popular assumption, Patrick was not Irish. He actually grew up in Britain, coming from a family of great wealth. At age 16, Irish raiders came onto his estate and hauled Patrick back to Ireland. While in captivity, he spent a lot of time in nature as a shepherd, very much lonely and afraid. It was believed that during this time, he turned to religion, in particular, Christianity. This newfound conviction led him to escape after having been confined for six years. Patrick then proceeded to walk over 200 miles to reach the Irish coast. Once there, an angel visited him in a dream, conveying the message that God is calling him to return to Ireland as a missionary.
 
Back in his own country, Patrick took this call to heart. He studied for 15 years to become a priest, finally to return to the place of his captivity. Patrick lived out his ministry, proclaiming the good news of God to the very people who stripped him of freedom. His love of nature intertwined with his expression of the gospel, as Patrick was famous for incorporating fire in worship, along with drawing an image of the sun over the cross (what is now known as the Celtic cross).
 
His story speaks to the versatility of Patrick’s God – a God who ebbs and flows through the changes and seasons of this world. For Patrick, God was clearly seen through nature – land, sea, and sky. God was known through captivity and freedom, in times of joy and sorrow. God abided with him in the fields, teaching him about the good shepherd and his flock. God was there when he was lonely and afraid, giving him courage and the hope of conviction. God walked with him on that long journey, guiding his footsteps and beaming his path. God was present at his destination on the coast, visiting and speaking to him through his dreams. God was with him during his study and vocation. God was with him as he confronted the ghosts of his past, conjuring Patrick to return to a land of fear.
 
Irish or not, Patrick’s message and witness speak to God that endures, through it all. May we be so bold here at Berkeley to claim this God, each and every day, regardless of the circumstances.