Reclaiming St. Patrick's Day: A Call to Evangelism
Every year, March 17th arrives with parades, green attire, and excessive celebrations. For many, St. Patrick's Day has become tantamount to drinking and celebration rather than with the man himself—Patrick, the missionary who risked everything to bring the Gospel to Ireland.
What if, instead of a day of indulgence, we reclaimed St. Patrick's Day as a day of evangelism, prayer, and renewal—one that reflects his true mission? What if we aligned it with the heart of St. Patrick, who saw himself as "a sinner, a most simple countryman, the least of all the faithful" (Confession, 1), yet was called by God to proclaim the name of Christ in a land once foreign to him?
The Real Spirit of St. Patrick
Patrick was not about self-praise or cultural pride; he was a humble servant of the Gospel. Enslaved as a youth in Ireland, he later escaped but chose to return—driven by a vision where the Irish called him back to walk among them once more (Confession, 23). His mission was simple: to make disciples of Christ.
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20)
His work was not about national identity or festivity but transforming lives through Christ. He opposed the pagan practices of his time not with swords but with Scripture, prayer, and unwavering faith.
Reclaiming St. Patrick's Day for the Gospel
If we were to truly honour St. Patrick, how might we reform this day?
1. A Day of Evangelism and Outreach
Patrick responded to the call of the lost, and so should we. What if March 17th became a day for sharing the Gospel? We could engage in street evangelism, host prayer gatherings, or invite those who might never step into a church to hear the message of Christ.
St. Patrick's legacy is one of boldness. He did not fear opposition because he believed in God's calling:
"I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation." (St. Patrick's Breastplate)
2. A Day of Prayer and Intercession for Ireland
Patrick was a man of deep prayer. He wrote:
"I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no harm from the snow or ice or rain." (Confession, 16)
We could dedicate St. Patrick's Day as a day of prayer for revival in Ireland. Many churches could hold prayer services, interceding for the nation to embrace Christ as King once again.
3. Acts of Service and Mercy
Patrick's mission was not only about words but action. He ransomed captives, challenged injustice, and ministered to people experiencing poverty. Instead of drinking ourselves into oblivion, what if we fed the hungry, clothed the poor, and demonstrated the love of Christ in tangible ways?
"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger, and you welcomed me." (Matthew 25:35)
A movement like Cook Serve Pray—bringing meals and prayer into communities—embodies this spirit. Instead of spending money on excess, we could pour it into feeding the marginalized, just as Patrick did.
4. Reclaiming Symbols for Christ
The Shamrock has lost its Christian meaning. Once used to illustrate the Trinity, it has become a mere decoration. We can salvage these symbols by teaching their Gospel roots and using them as conversation starters.
A Call to Action
St. Patrick's Day should not be about excess but about exalting Christ. It is an opportunity to rekindle the missionary spirit of the man who brought the Gospel to Ireland. Let this be a day when we step out in faith, proclaiming as Patrick did:
"Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me." (St. Patrick's Breastplate)
Let March 17th not be a day of revelry, but a day of revival. A day when believers take to the streets, homes, and churches—not with pints in hand, but with prayers on their lips and the Good News in their hearts.
Will you join me in reclaiming St. Patrick's Day for Christ?
