INTERFAITH WISDOM

The day after tomorrow, for some Christian religions, is the day to honor Saint Patrick.  Patrick was a British religious man, a priest and then bishop of the Catholic Church, who took it upon himself to convert Ireland to Christianity.

Patrick was born in 386 and did his missionary work in the 5th century AD.  Britain was part of the Roman Empire at that time.  You may have heard of the legend that Patrick chased all the snakes out of Ireland.  Truth:  except for zoos and private collections, there are no snakes in Ireland.  There is no reason to believe that Patrick had anything to do with this.

Here is a morning prayer accredited, in some places, to Patrick - this may also be a legend.  In any case, because my name is Patrick and because I'm of Irish decent, I'll take the liberty to place it here.

I arise today

through the strength of Heaven;

Light of the sun,

Splendor of fire,

Speed of lightning,

Swiftness of the wind,

Depth of the sea,

Stability of the earth,

Firmness of the 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 way to lie before me,

God's shield to protect me

afar and near,

alone or in a multitude.

Christ shield me today

against wounding,

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,

Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,

Christ on my right, Christ on my left,

Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,

Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,

Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,

Christ in the eye that sees me,

Christ in the ear that hears me.

I arise today

through the mighty strength

Of the Lord of creation.  

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