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Chip Shots from the Ruff of Life
by Tom Kelley
Erin go bragh! And a good St. Patrick's Day to you. Today people all around the world will be celebrating a holiday which means absolutely nothing to them other than it's a holiday on which they wear green and pinch those who don't. Please don't be so quick to pinch this year. There are some things you might wish to know before you start leaving small bruises on each others skin.
First of all, Saint Patrick's Day is in honor of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of my homeland, Ireland. It is also a very religious time for those folks there. Even the Protestants honor Saint Patrick. The day is celebrated on the anniversary of Saint Patrick's death in the fifth century. Yes, you saw that right. The fifth century as in the 400s A.D.
Since it traditionally falls during lent the rules for lent were waived by the church for the Irish so that they might drink, dance and feast in their homes. That's right. In their homes. The pubs were not allowed to be opened with the celebration being a religious event. However, in 1995, in hopes of increasing tourism in Ireland, the pubs were allowed to reopen in order to give tourists a shot at the celebration. The meal that is celebrated on this honored Irish holiday is bacon and cabbage, about as Irish as can be.
That's the point. This is an Irish celebration. And one that is closely tied to the Catholic Church. So unless you're Irish and Catholic your entitlements on this day are few. You can celebrate and wear the green but leave the pinchin' to them what's got proper rights. And remember, it is a religious holiday in the memory of the great savior of Ireland, her patron saint.
Which reminds me of something else. Many of you get a holiday each week. Sunday. Most plants shut down as do many other businesses. Will you celebrate this holiday in the fashion that was intended? Historically it was done for people to have the opportunity to worship the God that allowed America to be founded. So please, "Do not forsake the assembling of ourselves together as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the Day approaching." Hebrews 10:25 Go to church Sunday and honor God who has blessed this great earth.
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...He was the Minister of the Minorsville Christian Church located near Stamping Ground, KY.
...Becky and Tom have three children; John, single and in worship ministry in Nicholasville, Kentucky; Sean, married (Jennifer, elementary school teacher) with twins (Grace and Patrick, b.d. 10/31/04) and regional director of Papa John's Pizza in Central KY; Kara, married (Vince Taylor, prison guard) and working with Hospice East in Winchester, KY.
...Tom went to be with the Lord on November 13, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer. If you have been touched by Tom's writings please send an email to Tom's son at jkelley@catalystchristian.net
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