Today is St. Patrick’s Day, a day on which everyone, even those with not a drop of Irish blood in them, celebrates the Irish “independence day” based on the brave acts of an Irishman who cared more about his country and people than himself. But, more than that, it’s a day of celebrating all things Irish, from the ancient traditions and quotes to the myths of leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold. People will wear green in some shape or form, from head to toe green outfits, to a hat or pin proclaiming “kiss me, I’m Irish!” Traditional Irish greetings are popping up all over the internet. People are marching in parades honoring the Irish soul in all of us, while we wish each other good health (‘Slainte’).
Even without the external trappings and parades, today is a special day for most of us. Sundays is typically a day traditionally reserved for worship and contemplation, and sometimes, jubilation. For today we also celebrate our faiths and beliefs, and a new day in which to turn to each other with forgiveness and love and wish each other well. As for leprechauns, rainbows and pots of gold, they might be symbols of the inner voice of our higher selves, telling us that the true miracles are always within, and that our search for rainbows and gold is really the search for the divine within us.
But, no matter how you spend the day today, and to all of you who have at least one ancestor of Irish descent, we’ll leave you with this thought:
May the road rise up to meet you; may the wind be always at your back, and when you’re safe home, may God hold you in the palm of his hand.
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