One of the great stories of Saint Patrick was the focus for this morning’s Celtic Lent thought.

It was Easter Eve in 433 and the tradition was that all fires in homes and on hillsides were extinguished. The king had banned anyone from re-lighting those fires until he had lit his for all to see first. Patrick defied this law, climbed the hill of Slane and lit his Easter fire. The king was totally pissed off and commanded Patrick be put to death. That’s very brief and the full story can be read here.

The courage of Patrick is striking and that’s what I have been pondering on my travels today. Despite knowing this would annoy the kind and that he would be condemned to death, Patrick trusted in the power of God. Because he trusted that power he didn’t fear what the king might or might not do. In fact, Patrick’s stance of faith eventually resulted in the king, albeit reluctantly, becoming a Christian himself.

I’ve wondered today how I understand that power of Christ.
I’ve wondered how that power manifests in my life.
I’ve wondered is there stuff I do that stops that power flowing through me.
I hope, that like Patrick, I can make a stand for the gospel.