As we celebrate St Patrick, our daily reflection at Mass explores what it’s like to be chosen by God.
BIBLE READINGS: The readings for St Patrick, Bishop and Missionary, can be found here
I’m sure we can all remember those times as children when we were chosen by the teacher to perform a special errand.
It made us feel special and responsible. Whilst these days, we may not feel the same kind of joy when asked to do something, there is still a joy if and when we are ever chosen for something particularly special. Some people may earn awards in the workplace. Others may be asked to use their gifts and experience for a special task. Or, we have been chosen or asked to do something in church, appointed to read or lead intercessions, administer the chalice, be elected to the church council, and so many other things.
In the first reading, we have a turning point in the life of the church. Paul and Barnabas explicitly state that they are turning to the Gentiles with the good news of Jesus. And what is the response of the Gentiles according to the Acts of the Apostles? They rejoice and glorify God that they have been chosen. We can easily forget, especially if we have grown up within the life of the church and we are immersed in the faith, how joyful and life changing it is for someone to hear the good news of Jesus and respond.
Whilst St Patrick’s first experience of Ireland may have been a strange one – he is thought to have been kidnapped and taken there as a boy – he later returns and adopts the Irish people as his own, choosing to go there and to remain with them as preacher, pastor and bishop, proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom and founding communities of faith. In the gospel reading, the seventy-two who have been chosen and sent out by Jesus, return to him with joy after all they had witnessed. May we too be filled with the same joy and happiness. We have been chosen to go out and and proclaim the good news, to share the joy of Christ with others—for the good news of Jesus is good news for all.
Mass today is at S Mary’s Church at 6.30pm
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