“Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ when I arise, Christ in
the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who
speaks of me, Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears
me.”
This beautiful prayer was written by St. Patrick himself, over
1,500 years ago. The prayer is often called the “Breastplate of St. Patrick” at
the prayer invokes the divine protection of Jesus Christ like a suit of armor.
And yet, St. Patrick is describing something more profound than mere protection.
The prayer of St. Patrick speaks of Jesus’ abiding presence with the Christian
and within the Christian—that the attitudes of Christ and the virtues of Christ
may animate us.
St. Patrick, who faced danger, hardship, and even
enslavement, did not merely seek Christ’s help in times of need. He desired to
be completely surrounded by Christ, to live in Christ at every
moment.
And this is the heart of Lent: not simply asking for
Christ’s help but allowing Christ to dwell in us, shaping our thoughts,
actions, and desires.
In a profound way, the Lenten call to conversion seeks to
strip away anything that is not of Christ so that His presence fills every part
of us. Fasting and penance are not about mere self-denial; they are about
making space for Christ to dwell within us more completely
St. Patrick’s words, “Christ in the heart of every man who
thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,” remind us of
our Lenten mission—to conform ourselves to Christ in such a way that Christ is
made known to others through us. Our faith should be visible in our words,
actions, and relationships. When people encounter us, do they see Christ’s love
and mercy? Do we radiate His presence through our kindness and sacrifices?
Lent is a call to conversion, not simply a season of discipline.
It is a time to place Christ at the center of everything—our thoughts, our
struggles, our joys.
May St. Patrick assist us through his prayers and example in seeking the
transformation that God wants for us, that Christ may be known with us, in us,
and through us for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.
As we journey through this holy season of Lent, seeking to
be transformed by Christ’s presence within us, let us offer our prayers to our
loving Father.
For the Church, that all her members may be clothed with the
virtues of Christ, radiating His love and mercy to the world, let us pray to
the Lord.
For our world, that all nations may seek justice and peace,
recognizing Christ’s presence in the dignity of every human life, let us pray
to the Lord.
For those who are suffering, facing hardship, or enduring
trials, that they may find strength in Christ, who surrounds them in their
struggles and walks with them in their pain, let us pray to the Lord.
For those preparing to enter the Church this Easter, that
their hearts may be completely filled with Christ’s presence as they seek to be
transformed in His love, let us pray to the Lord.
For the health of Holy Father Pope Francis, For all who are
sick and suffering, that they may experience the healing presence of Christ,
who walks with us in our trials.
For our departed brothers and sisters, that having sought
Christ in this life, they may now rest in His eternal embrace, let us pray to
the Lord.
Heavenly Father, hear our prayers, and in this holy season
of Lent, may the presence of our Son transform us, guide us, and shine through
us, for Your glory and the salvation of souls. We ask this through Christ, our
Lord.
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