Quotes of Saint Patrick
“What is more, let anyone laugh and taunt if he so wishes. I am not keeping silent, nor am I hiding the signs and wonders that were shown to me by the Lord many years before they happened, [he] who knew everything, even before the beginning of time.”
Christ beside me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ within me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me.”
“Before I was humiliated I was like a stone that lies in deep mud, and he who is mighty came and in his compassion raised me up and exalted me very high and placed me on the top of the wall.”
“I am imperfect in many things, nevertheless I want my brethren and kinsfolk to know my nature so that they may be able to perceive my soul’s desire.”
As I read through these quotes, I am struck by two things: 1) his humility, not many of us would use the image of a stone in mud or openly confess their imperfections and 2) his confidence – laugh at me if you want, taunt me if I want … since I can’t be perfect, make the people around me at least know that is my soul’s desire.
As we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, let us for at least one day try to embrace these two ideals: humility and confidence.
