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Morning Devotion for Lent
March 17, 2025
Patrick
Reading: Matthew 28:16-20
Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. When they saw him, they worshipped him; but some doubted. And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 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, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’
Meditation: Jo Ann B. Jones
Patrick was born in Britain, circa 390. His father was a deacon, his grandfather a priest. Irish pirates kidnapped Patrick when he was sixteen and sold him into slavery. He sought God’s help. After he gained his freedom and returned to his family, he prepared for the priesthood. Around 435, Patrick was commissioned to go to Ireland as bishop and missionary. His work there is almost legendary in that he almost single handedly converted the Irish to Christianity. The selection of this passage is, therefore, an all too apparent, if not an outstanding example of proof-texting. Moreover, it suggests that these conversions were all the result of Patrick’s efforts. Where is the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ in this?
I found it interesting to look forward to a post resurrection experience of the disciples while we are almost halfway through Lent. (I have decided to have a positive Lent, one that focuses more on hope.) This post resurrection passage read now seems to “keep hope alive!”
Imagine how shocked the disciples may be when they meet Jesus on the mountain in Galilee. This is his first appearance to them since they fled when he was arrested. That they believed the women’s testimony that Jesus had been raised and heeded their instructions to go to Galilee to meet him suggests that the disciples are more trustworthy than they had been, but they are still fragile. They worship him but their doubt is a further sign of their frailty. Interestingly, Jesus does not try to overcome their doubt; rather he views his meeting with them as a normal occurrence.
The resurrection plainly establishes Christ’s Lordship as absolute, without any qualifications. Now it would appear that his lordship is not geographically bound. The disciples’ mission is to make other disciples and baptize them, but more than this: to “teach them all I have commanded you.”
While we celebrate St. Patrick today, this passage suggests that even for him, just showing up, willing to convert people to Christianity involves a great deal more. For St. Patrick and all who would lead people to Christianity are challenged to teach, to convey, to uphold what it means and what it demands of anyone to love another. There is no simple lesson for this. There is no guarantee of getting it right all the time. It takes generosity, patience, humility, perseverance, hope, countless prayers, forgiveness and acute attention to the presence of God. This comes about over a lifetime. In doing this work, it is vital to remember that Jesus commissions us even in the midst of our doubts. He has promised to be with us always, “even to the end of the age.” And that is a great comfort and source of strength. And we must say, “To God be the glory.”
Collect for the Human Family
O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hears; break down the walls that separate us; unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in your good time, all nations and races amy serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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