Today is St Patrick’s Day. Born in Roman Britain he was captured by an Irish raiding party when he was about fourteen. Taken to Ireland as a slave he herded and tended sheep. An innocent boy was badly wronged.
When Patrick was twenty, he dreamt that God told him to leave Ireland. He escaped, went to the coast, found some sailors who took him back to Britain and was reunited with his family.
Years later her trained for the priesthood and returned with the Christian message of life, hope and transformation to Ireland…
Charles Marsh visited our church when I was a boy. He and his wife spent 37 years working with Muslims in rural Algeria. His stories and faith left an impact on me. I found his book in our loft… He describes learning the Kabyle language:
‘One young lady missionary told her neighbours that they simply must have a new dog to get to heaven. She meant to say… a new heart. The word for heart is ‘qelb’ and the word for dog is ‘kelb’. Another said, ‘Do you know us? We are your frogs.’ She had wanted to say ‘We are your neighbours,’ …she had said ‘jiran’ instead of ‘jeeran’.’
Yesterday in church Lou talked about Jesus overturning the money changers’ tables in the temple. Jesus says, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. But you have made it a den of robbers.’
It’s a challenging story for church-goers, those of us who think we have got it right, those who find security and comfort in their faith. It’s always easy to say that others are wrong…
Getting it wrong? Lou confronts me with Jesus words… It might be me, not others, that are wrong. Charles teaches me… Getting it wrong has an impact; when wrong I must correct my mistakes… Patrick shows me… With my God’s help, I might need to reach out to those who have wronged me.
malcolmsmusings.org 
Your three perspectives on either getting it wrong or responding favorably when wrongly treated are thought provoking, Malcolm. Humans are fallible. Only Christ is the way, truth, and life. Saint Patrick tapped into God’s powerful love, and so can we.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I certainly find the St Patrick story both challenging and inspiring, David. His stamina, dedication and commitment I see reflected in the life of Charles Marsh.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amen, Malcolm. Great perspectives and truths!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, Karla. I continue to be challenged by the unexpected in the Jesus narrative.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re welcome, Malcolm. Me too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A great message for us at all times, but particularly now. Thank you, Malcolm.
–Scott
LikeLiked by 1 person
The Jesus was seems so counter-cultural, Scott – particularly, in this case, regarding when we are wronged or we wrong others.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Agree completely! I’m ashamed to say that, more often than I care to admit, I’ll read a good message like the one in your post and feel almost a jolt; like I need to wake up to the obvious and do better. Much better.
–Scott
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reminded me of the Lord’s Prayer:
Matthew 6:12 NLT. …and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good reminder, Allan. Jesus can say in 14 words what it takes us many more to say!
LikeLiked by 1 person