Pathway of Purpose

St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with parades, green attire, and celebrations of Irish culture. But at its core, this day commemorates the life of a man whose faith and mission transformed a nation. St. Patrick was more than a figure of legend—he was a man who lived out radical obedience to God, even in the face of suffering. His story is one of redemption, calling, and unwavering faith. From Captive to Missionary Patrick wasn’t Irish by birth. He was born in Roman Britain in the late 4th century. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and sold into slavery. For six years, he lived as a shepherd in Ireland, enduring hardship and isolation. But in that season of suffering, something remarkable happened—Patrick’s faith deepened. During his captivity, he turned to God in prayer. He later wrote, “I prayed in the woods and on the mountain, even before dawn. I felt no hurt from the snow or ice or rain.” His suffering became the soil in which his faith grew. Af...

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a season of reflection, repentance, and renewal. It is a time when we acknowledge our need for God’s grace and embrace the journey of transformation. The words of Psalm 51, written by David after his moral failure with Bathsheba, serve as a powerful guide for us on this day. His raw, honest cry for mercy invites us into deep self-examination and the hope of restoration. The Weight of Ashes In ancient times, ashes were a sign of mourning and repentance. People would sit in ashes or wear sackcloth to show sorrow over sin. When ashes are placed on our foreheads in the shape of a cross, we are reminded of our mortality from dust you came, and to dust you will return (Genesis 3:19). But these ashes are not just a symbol of death; they point to redemption. They remind us that sin is real, yet God’s grace is greater. David begins Psalm 51 with a desperate plea: Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great co...