March 17, St. Patrick

The Lord is gracious and merciful.-- Psalm 145:8

Mass readings: Isaiah 49:8-15 / John 5:17-30

Reasons to Celebrate

In 2008, I spent one month at Pecos Benedictine Monastery in Pecos, New Mexico, at the School of Spiritual Direction. One of the things that made this month easier was not having to think about meal preparation. The menu was simple, satisfying and nutritious. The cook was frugal. Frugal, that is, until we celebrated a saint's feast day. Then out came the wine and the succulent appetizers. Out came the savory meats and luscious desserts. We partied! How like holy Church to honor the sacrifice of the saints with joy and celebration!

Today we celebrate St. Patrick, who spent most of his early life trying to escape captivity in Ireland, to return to England, his beloved homeland. Thankfully, he refused to run away from God's call to return to Ireland with the Gospel.

Prayer: St. Patrick, today we celebrate your sacrifice. Pray for us.