Can we call March 17 Missionary Remembrance Day? ... Of course there's a story there. Let's hear it!

Obviously March 17 is usually thought of as a day of frolicking fun and usually too much high spirits and drinking as people celebrate the fact that they are of Irish or Irish descent or at least as everybody says Irish for a day.

But of course many of you know and suspect that there's more to the story than that and the story continues to this very day. So would you please give me about 15 minutes to put some things together about the new school that we're starting, the story of Stanley Jones and of course of that famous Irish Saint.   ... And then my robot Stosh added this addition to the story.

March 17: A Call for Missionary Remembrance Day

Every year, March 17th is widely recognized as St. Patrick’s Day—a time associated with green-clad celebrations, parades, and Irish pride. Yet, beneath the surface of festivity lies the story of a man whose life embodies the essence of missionary work. Could we reimagine this day as Missionary Remembrance Day?

St. Patrick, far from being a mere cultural icon, was a devout missionary who transformed the spiritual landscape of Ireland. His journey of faith, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to the Gospel presents a compelling parallel to another great missionary of the 20th century: E. Stanley Jones. Both men left legacies of faith that continue to inspire generations, challenging us to reflect on the role of mission work today.

The Missionary Calling: Then and Now

St. Patrick’s mission was not a tale of comfort or ease. Captured as a slave in his youth, he returned years later to the land of his captivity—not for revenge, but for redemption. His message of Christ brought light to a land steeped in spiritual darkness, and his legacy of faith endures today.

Similarly, E. Stanley Jones devoted his life to missionary service, particularly in India, where he encountered a world of diverse faith traditions. He realized that proclaiming truth was not enough—faith had to be demonstrated through a transformed, fully alive life. Jones’ emphasis on practical, daily Christianity remains profoundly relevant in an era where spiritual truth often competes with skepticism and relativism.

"Once a Missionary, Always a Missionary"

A powerful sentiment echoes through the stories of both St. Patrick and Stanley Jones: "Once a missionary, always a missionary." Whether serving full-time or integrating mission work into daily life, those who have experienced the calling of faith cannot separate themselves from it. Missions are not confined to distant lands but are present in every workplace, every community, and every interaction.

On this day, as we celebrate St. Patrick, we should also take time to remember all missionaries—past and present—who have carried the message of Christ into challenging and sometimes dangerous territories. More importantly, we should ask ourselves: How are we living as missionaries in our own lives? How can we embody the principles of faith, courage, and service?

Living Fully Alive

E. Stanley Jones spoke not only of the afterlife but of the abundant life that faith brings in the present. His teachings remind us that mission work is not about merely "saving souls" for eternity, but about bringing the Kingdom of God into the here and now. He urged believers to live with power, poise, and purpose—an approach rooted in faith that truly works in everyday life.

This idea reflects the wisdom of the early Desert Fathers and Mothers, who sought solitude not for withdrawal but for deep transformation. As Abba Anthony famously said, "We go into the desert to become fully alive and meet Jesus." The mission is not merely to preach but to live so fully in Christ that others are drawn to Him by the vibrancy of our lives.

A Challenge to All

Missionary Remembrance Day should not just be a historical reflection but an active challenge. What elements of the missionary spirit can we cultivate today? Whether we are formally in ministry or simply navigating life as a person of faith, we are all called to embody the message of Christ.

If we take this call seriously, March 17th becomes more than a day of festivities—it transforms into a day of recommitment to the mission that shaped St. Patrick, Stanley Jones, and countless others. It is a day to ask: How can I be a living gospel?

Let this be a call to mission—not just in foreign lands, but in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Let March 17th remind us that to be a follower of Christ is to be a missionary every day of our lives. Are you ready to live fully alive?