Missional Monday - Going and St. Patrick

Much of what we know about St. Patrick is likely myth.  He likely did not drive the snakes from Ireland, there were not any snakes before he got there.  He certainly did not invent green beer nor the Shamrock Shake.  One thing we do know, however, that comes from his own accounts is that as a young teenager he was abducted by pirates who took him to serve as a slave to Ireland.  He lived in slavery for many years before being able to escape and finally return home.  Patrick would eventually undergo religious training and enter the ministry.  During this time Patrick would discern the place for his ministry.  Patrick returned to the land of his enslavement to bring the gospel to those living in darkness.

In the passage come to be known as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), Jesus gives the imperative, the command, to make disciples of all nations.  The three other verbs in this passage are participles, "ing" verbs, giving us direction on how to accomplish the command to make disciples.  The first of these verbs is "going" and it is here that Patrick gives us such a powerful, inspiring and challenging example.  If he could go back to the land of his enslavement, to serve in the very country in which he had been held in bondage, then surely we too can "go;" if not to the farthest reaches of the globe, then at least to our neighbour.  And for those of us who live in an area like I do, with many people who do not know Jesus, and in an area where people are flocking from around the world, then even going next door could have huge impacts for reaching all nations.  But then again, maybe God will call you to the farthest reaches of the earth.

We are all called, in some capacity, to fulfill the Great Commission.  After all Jesus taught his disciples to make disciples, and to "teach them to obey everything I have commanded you," which must therefore include the command to make disciples of all nations.  As we have seen, this includes the mandate to "go."  So where is it that you will "go?"