St. Patrick’s Breastplate

March 17 is traditionally celebrated as St. Patrick's Day, a feast day when the death of Patrick is said to have occurred. Why is Patrick's death date observed? The ancient church believed it was pagan to celebrate a birthday of a person. With a Resurrection focus, then, the early Christians celebrated a saint's birth into eternal life. It could be argued that baptism should be that date, but I won't quibble. (It was this belief that explains why Christmas was not celebrated until the fourth century AD.)

Today for St. Patrick's Day I'd like to share this hymn called "St. Patrick's Breastplate." You likely won't find it in a Lutheran hymnal, but my pastor has used it on the Sunday closest to St. Patrick's Day for several years now.

Patrick, you will recall, believed in and taught the Trinity. He is credited for using the clover as an example. The clover has three leaves but is one plant. Now, illustrations do limp at times and certainly this illustration isn't fool-proof. But it was a way for Patrick to explain the concept of the Trinity to the Irish converts.

The lyrics I am using are a translation of a Gaelic poem called "St. Patrick's Lorica." A lorica is a mystical garment that was supposed to protect the wearer from danger and illness, and guarantee entry into heaven.

The author (or translator) was a lady named Cecil Alexander. Ms. Alexander wrote this song at the request of H. H. Dickinson, the Dean of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle.

It becomes apparent that the lorica Patrick discusses is no piece of garment, but Christ and the Word of God. This is reminiscent of Paul's words to the Ephesians:

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:10-18)

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