I’m celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Rome, around a bunch of Italian university students who don’t need much excuse to party. While they celebrate Irish culture, I join in because Patricks stands as one of the best examples of a missionary in history. Here’s a passage telling more of Patrick’s story from GO: Following Jesus to the Ends of the Earth:

About 400 years later, on an island far to the north, Irish raiders kidnapped a young English boy named Patricius and held him as a slave for several years. While he eventually made his escape and returned to England, something started to shift in his heart. The Lord, through visions, began to pull him once again to Ireland, this time to return as a missionary to his former captors. He sailed back to preach the gospel to the pagan Irish and eventually became Saint Patrick of Ireland, the first documented missionary outside the bounds of the Roman Empire. Patrick preached the gospel as far as he could go, “to the point beyond which there is no one,” to the western edge of Ireland. Only the sea remained.

As you lift a toast to all things Irish today, join me in lifting one to Saint Patrick himself, a compelling missionary example for all who follow of Jesus.

Photo by Ann

Sometimes life changes on the spur of a moment, like when Jesus called Levi (Matthew) to follow him. Matthew agreed and quickly gathered his tax-collecting colleagues to meet Jesus:

Jesus went out and saw a tax collector by the name of Levi sitting at his tax booth. “Follow me,” Jesus said to him, and Levi got up, left everything and followed him. Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.

Excitement and joy welled-up in Matthew following his encounter with Jesus, so he threw a party. Instinctively he celebrated and feasted and told others as he departed for a new life with the teacher.

Matthew understood that following Jesus involved renouncing and leaving old ways. He surrendered his attitudes and actions, agreeing to bring them under the lordship of Christ.

Too often we consider committing to Jesus as a ticket to drudgery or the squashing of our individuality. No misconception could be more off base. For those who follow him, God promises the opposite—long draughts from the river of the Lord’s delight (Psalm 36:8).

Matthew immediately tossed fears aside for the adventure of a life with Jesus. He surrendered and celebrated with his friends. Let us embrace the same behavior, promoting both surrender and celebration as we free ourselves from the anchors of this world.

Luke 5 in reading the Bible in 2023

The Calling of Saint Matthew in San Luigi dei Francesi in Rome.

In the square outside of St. Peter’s Basilica stands a huge obelisk carted from Egypt. The monument marks the exact spot where Nero crucified the Apostle Peter for preaching the gospel in Rome. Peter asked to be crucified upside-down, because he felt unworthy to die in the same manner as Jesus. Nero happily complied.

At the time, the murder of Peter took place in the center of a huge stadium where Romans watched chariot races. The execution of Peter comprised the entertainment for the day. Nero went to bed pleased with himself, satisfied with silencing such an prominent Christian and discouraging this annoying new faith.

Today the stone sits on land dedicated to that very faith Peter propagated. Millions stroll by annually, learning of his dedication to the cause of Christ. To spice up their tours, guides mention Nero, his stadium, and his races. The madman garners a nod, while the apostle captures hearts.

Before his death Peter wrote: Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you…let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. (1 Peter 4:12, 19).

Peter knew trials loomed, yet he faithfully carried the message of Jesus to Rome. I wonder if he knew such a heinous death awaited?

I also wonder about Nero’s reaction if he were dropped into St. Peter’s Square today? No chariots, no gladiators, no instruments of torture—only remembrances of Peter and the God he served.

1 Peter 4 in reading the Bible in 2023

Tombs of famous men and women fill Rome. Everywhere you turn someone’s grave calls you over. Many of these powerful people paid designers (like Michelangelo) to create bigger and better burial edifices. If it weren’t for signs attached to each tomb, I had no clue who I was looking at as I licked my gelato and wandered around.

All these fancy graves remind of a quote I read once by George Eliot: For the growing good of the world is partly dependent on unhistoric acts; and that things are not so ill with you and me as they might have been, is half owing to the number who lived faithfully a hidden life, and rest in unvisited tombs.

I visited lots of tombs in Rome. But what if Eliot’s thought is accurate? What if most of the good in this world exists due to regular folks who lived faithful lives, and now sleep in graves no one visits?

Which leads me to the scripture reminding us that the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous can accomplish much (James 5:16). Sincere prayers of the charitable result in greater goodness than the ministrations of the powerful.

What does it matter the beauty of our tombs? When Jesus returns, he’ll blow the lids off. A marble slab or a pine box, tourist attraction or overgrown with weeds, the quality of the heart registers more the value of the tomb.

Building a fancy burial chamber may show off one’s wealth and power, but actually paying attention to our designer makes a much bigger difference in this world and the next.

James 5 in reading the Bible in 2023