A Reflection for the Memorial of St. Patrick, Bishop
Find today’s readings here.
For my family St. Patrick’s Day was a holy day, though not for the reasons you might imagine.
We did not go to Mass, nor did we take part in the annual parade here in New York. The day started early and ended late, and our corned-beef sandwiches were hastily consumed. For us, the family of an Irish-American restaurant owner, St. Patrick’s was a work day, and I was on call as a waiter, bus boy, bottle washer or maître d’. Whatever Dad needed.
I can’t remember reading any Scripture on St. Patrick’s Day, but I could imagine sharing today’s letter from St. Paul with the good people who worked at Reidys’:
Beloved:
Be serious and sober-minded
so that you will be able to pray.
Ok, so serious and sober are not the words that come to mind on St. Paddy’s Day. But this is the job of any good server: Take your job seriously so that others can relax and enjoy themselves. In this way, your work can be a kind of prayer…
Above all, let your love for one another be intense,
because love covers a multitude of sins.
Customers can be curt and rowdy, but your dedication to them should remain strong. Maybe it’s not exactly love, but putting the customer first can cover a multitude of bad decisions...
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
Now here is the heart of the matter. Maybe we should print this on a sign and hang it above the kitchen door…
As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another
as good stewards of God's varied grace.
This is uncanny. Now I am starting to think Dad was more than just a bar owner…
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies.
God knows, we need that strength after the lunch rush. Six hours on our feet, and dinner still to come…
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever.
Ah, a bit of a Jesuit benediction on the proceedings. Oh, by the way, Father Hart needs a refill at table two…
Amen.
Good night and safe home. It’s been a good day, and we all deserve a good rest. And until we meet again…
You know the rest, Dad.
