A Day for Patrick and other imperfect saints

As you read this, I will be arriving in Switzerland beginning a three-month assignment as the interim pastor of the International Church of Luzern. It is a congregation comprised of English-speaking Christ-followers from all over the world.

Those who attend the ICL are from South Africa, West Africa, Wales, New Zealand, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany and a variety of other countries. In many ways it’s like a gathering of the United Nations. Along with a handful of others, my wife and I will represent the United States.

I find it appropriate that my very first Sunday is on Saint Patrick’s Day. In recognition of those who hail from the Emerald Isle, this American clergyman will reference the patron saint of Ireland in my debut sermon.

Patrick was born into a Romanized family in Britain in the 5th century. At the age of 16, he was kidnapped by Irish pirates who enslaved him. For six years, he endured forced labor as a herdsman, but during that time his faith grew. It was during this dark season he discovered what it meant to be a shepherd of God’s people.

After escaping and returning home, Patrick felt called to go back to Ireland with the message of a loving God who freed spiritual captives from lives of slavery to self.

But the essence of my first homily will focus on the fact that Patrick is not the only saint worthy of contemplation today or any other day.

According to the Apostle Paul in his first century correspondence, ordinary Christ-followers are to be considered saints. The word comes from the root word that means “to sanctify” or to “set apart.”

For example, Paul begins his letter to the Philippians: “To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi.” He viewed them as set-apart from the nonreligious or worshippers of pagan gods.

Saints are more than those the Catholic Church has canonized. In a very real sense, saints are all who belong to God and (like Patrick) have found their purpose in reflecting God’s love. And truth be told, Saint Patrick never was actually canonized by the Church.

In addition to describing the life of Patrick in my Swiss pulpit on Sunday, I will show off a plaque one of my daughters recently gave me.

Boasting a green shamrock, the message on the wooden wall hanging declares “Tis a Wonderful Life.” Allison knows I am a fan of the movie that features the contagious generosity of George Bailey. It was the perfect Saint Patrick’s gift.

And when you think about it, Frank Capra’s fictional character does portray an everyday ordinary saint. He is one set-apart from the crowd in his community by a life that is distinctively different. His life was not perfect, but he definitely impacted those around him. I guess you could say George Bailey was an imperfect saint.

Speaking of imperfect saints … Several years ago I published a volume of poetry. My intended audience was people of faith. I was primarily thinking of leaders in the church, but not just them.

I titled the book “Sunday Rhymes and Reasons: Inspirational poetry to pastors, leaders and other imperfect saints.”

My first Sunday in the Swiss church will also feature me introducing lyrics to an Irish song my Norwegian mother taught me when I was a kid.

With the best Irish brogue I can muster, I will sing “Cheer up you saints o’ God, there’s nothing to worry about. Nothing to make you feel afraid, nothing to make you doubt. Remember God is over all so why not trust Him and shout. You’ll be sorry you worried at all tomorrow morning.”

I smile as I think of my mom singing that little ditty. She sang it with gusto and I followed her lead. But I am also prone to smile as I think of myself challenging others to trust the Lord when I am just as imperfect as George Baileys of the world. Like them, I am prone to worry, fear and doubt. And yet as a child of God, Saint Paul indicates that I am entitled to claim the title of saint. I call that amazing grace! Don’t you?

• The Rev. Greg Asimakoupoulos is a former Naperville resident who writes about faith and family.