Let anyone laugh and taunt if he so wishes. I am not keeping silent, nor am I hiding the signs and wonders that were shown to me by the Lord many years before they happened, who knew everything, even before the beginning of time.
Saint PatrickRead
I was freeborn according to the flesh; I am born of a father who was a decurion, but I sold my noble rank - I blush not to state it, nor am I sorry - for the profit of others. In short, I am a slave in Christ to a foreign nation for the unspeakable glory of the eternal life which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Interpretation
What this quote means
This quote speaks to the idea of self-sacrifice and finding freedom in servitude to a higher cause, particularly in faith.
In this quote, Saint Patrick expresses his journey from a free individual of noble birth to becoming a slave in service to Christ and his mission. He embraces his decision to prioritize the needs of others over his own status and worldly glory, finding true freedom and purpose in his servitude for the sake of the eternal life and glory he believes in.
Themes
ServitudeFreedomFaithSacrificeService
In practice
Example use cases
In a sermon about selflessness, I would reference Saint Patrick's quote to illustrate the value of serving others.
More from Saint Patrick
All quotes βI see that already in this present world I am exalted above measure by the Lord. And I was not worthy nor such a one as that he should grant this to me, since I know most surely that poverty and affliction become me better than delights and riches.
Saint PatrickRead
The Lord is greater than all: I have said enough.
Saint PatrickRead
He that offereth sacrifice of the goods of the poor is as one that sacrificeth the son in the presence of his father.
Saint PatrickRead
I partly know why I have not led a perfect life like other believers. But I avow to my Lord, and I do not lie, that from the time when I first knew him, the love of God and the fear of him has grown in me from my youth so that I have, by the power of God, always till now kept the faith.
Saint PatrickRead
I only seek in my old age to perfect that which I had not before thoroughly learned in my youth, because my sins were a hindrance to me.
Saint PatrickRead
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