Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons. Philippians 1:1 ESV

To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father. Colossians 1:1-2 ESV

All your works shall give thanks to you, O Lord, and all your saints shall bless you. Psalm 145:10 ESV

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day! Today is a day set aside to remember a man, a missionary, who brought the good news of Jesus to the people of Ireland over 1,500 years ago. His real name was Maewyn Succat. He was born in Britain (England). But when he was 16 years old, he was captured by pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave. He had to work as a shepherd.

Maewyn escaped from Ireland and went back to Britain. There he studied to become a priest. That is when he changed his name to Patrick. Patrick then went back to Ireland and shared the good news about Jesus and God’s mercy, grace, and salvation. Many of the Irish people became Christians and believed in Jesus and God!

There is a story that St. Patrick used a three leaf clover, also called a shamrock, to explain the Trinity (Father God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit) to the people of Ireland.

It was much later that the Catholic Church recognized Patrick’s work in Ireland and officially gave him the new title of Saint Patrick.

Our first two verses today were written by Paul in letters to two of the churches where he first preached and shared the good news of Jesus. Paul calls all believers, all Christians, who have believed in what Jesus Christ did for us on the cross and in His resurrection and have been forgiven and saved, saints.

Let’s look at the definition of a saint: a saint is a person who is holy or set apart for God’s purposes.

So, when you are saved by your faith and trust in Jesus, you, too, are called a saint! You are holy because of your faith in Jesus and set apart for a purpose, working for God’s glory.

So how can we give glory to God? We talked about it some last week when we talked about working for the kingdom of heaven. Can you remember some of the things you can do?

Whenever you are sharing your faith in Jesus or being kind and helpful, or when you love others just as Jesus did, you are being a saint. You are living out God’s purpose. Talk with your family about ways you can be a saint. And then take action like Saint Patrick, and be a saint, blessing others and God.

Blessings and joy as you live out God’s purpose, dear saints!