PRAYER

St. Patrick’s Prayer

May the Strength of God pilot us.

May the Power of God preserve us.

May the Wisdom of God instruct us.

May the Hand of God protect us.

May the Way of God direct us.

May the Shield of God defend us.

May the Host of God guard us

Against the snares of the evil ones,

Against temptations of the world.

May Christ be with us!

May Christ be before us!

May Christ be in us,

Christ be over all!

May Thy Salvation, Lord,

Always be ours,

This day, O Lord, and evermore. Amen.

READING

Mark 4:21-34 Today's reading includes the Parable of the Lamp, Parable of the Growing Seed and Parable of the Mustard Seed. Please read the entire passage. The Refleciton today will focus on the Parable of the Lamp.

²¹ Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine.²² For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light.²³ Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.”

²⁴ Then he added, “Pay close attention to what you hear. The closer you listen, the more understanding you will be given^[a]—and you will receive even more. ²⁵ To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.”

REFLECTION

Saint Patrick was a 5th century missionary and bishop who brought Christianity to Ireland. He is the patron saint of Ireland. Legend says he drove the snakes out of Ireland and used the ☘️shamrock to explain the Trinity to people. Whether fact or legend, the truth of the matter is that Saint Patrick was a godly man who loved Christ and was a light to the world around him. Historians say he was truly humble and was able to communicate the gospel in simple terms which allowed many to convert to Christianity. Saint Patrick was a lamp on a stand that exposed the darkness in people's hearts, causing them to turn from their ways and walk in the light as well.

LENT CHECK IN

Try lighting a candle and saying, "Jesus is the light of the world - a light that will never go out"

Consider saying, "Jesus is the light of the world" every time you turn on a light in your home,

A History of Light in Art - if you're interested, learn about how light is used in artwork

Give this a shot! Sing "This little light of mine"