GO AND SPREAD THE GOSPEL

In the gospel reading of today,  Jesus demonstrates that it is not enough for us to sit and listen to the word of God, we are also to go out and preach the word to others. As Jesus finished preaching today, he called peter, James and John to follow  him to spread the good news to others who have not heard it. We all are also called to participate in the spreading of the gospel in whatever way we can.

St Patrick who we celebrate today is well known for his Missionary prowess. In some books, he is called St Patrick the Missionary. He was captured at the age of 16 by Irish invaders and he became a slave in Ireland for about 6 years. When he was able to escape, he entered the monastery and was later trained for the priesthood and was also later consecrated bishop. He is the second patron of Nigeria after the Blessed Virgin Mary. 

Forgetting all the slavery and humiliation he passed through as a slave in Ireland, St Patrick decided to go back to Ireland to preach the gospel to them. Though it was a very tough mission for him, his understanding of the Irish people and culture when he was a slave was very helpful to him. He is today the patron saint of Ireland. Let nothing ever discourage us in preaching the gospel or supporting the spread of the gospel, not even ugly or unfortunate incidences of the past. 

*Fr Michael Osatofoh Eninlejie, MSP.*