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.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of standing firm in one's beliefs despite criticism and doubt from others.
In this quote, Saint Patrick expresses a deep conviction and resilience in sharing his experiences of divine revelation, despite facing ridicule or mockery from others. He acknowledges the prophetic knowledge of the Lord who knows all things from the very beginning of time, reinforcing his commitment to proclaiming his faith and the wonders he has witnessed, regardless of external judgment.
In practice
In a speech about faith and perseverance, one might quote this to inspire others.
I 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.
The Lord is greater than all: I have said enough.
He that offereth sacrifice of the goods of the poor is as one that sacrificeth the son in the presence of his father.
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.
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.
The Lord discovered to me a sense of my unbelief that, though late, I should remember my transgressions and that I should be converted with my whole heart to the Lord my God.
I am God's wheat and shall be ground by their teeth so that I may become Christ's pure bread.
Thank God for the battle verses in the Bible. We go into the unknown every day of our lives, and especially every Monday morning, for the week is sure to be a battlefield, outwardly and inwardly in the unseen life of the spirit, which is often by far the sternest battlefield for souls. Either way, the Lord your God goes before you, He shall fight for you!
Who the Lord calls, the Lord will qualify.
Be a sinner and sin strongly, but more strongly have faith and rejoice in Christ.
Our faith is concentrated in the Son of God, and through him in the Father; and the Holy Ghost is their minister to bring truths to our remembrance, to reveal new truths to us, and teach, guide, and direct the course of every mind, until we become perfected and prepared to go home, where we can see and converse with our Father in Heaven.
Faith's most severe tests come not when we see nothing, but when we see a stunning array of evidence that seems to prove our faith vain.
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