Lent Day 28, Tuesday, March 17, 2026

“Be or Wear Green”

Today is St. Patrick’s Day, an annual celebration of the life and ministry of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. The color green became associated with the day through the symbol of the shamrock and Ireland’s nickname, the “Emerald Isle.”

Green is also an important color in the Christian Church.  If you have not noticed it before, green is the most common liturgical color used worldwide by churches throughout the year. Although other colors appear during special seasons, such as red, purple, and white, most Sundays find the paraments and pastors’ vestments displayed in green.

Why green? Green represents life and growth. The inspiration comes from the natural world around us. Green grass, trees, bushes, and countless other signs of life remind us of renewal and growth, which is why the Church chose this color for worship.

In our culture today, green can also refer to the conservation of resources. When we care for the earth, we help preserve the beauty and life that God placed within creation.

Today, many people will also reflect on the work of St. Patrick himself. As a bishop in Ireland, he faced tremendous challenges, yet faithfully shared the gospel with others. He helped establish churches, schools, and monasteries, devoting his life to the spread of the Gospel and the study of God’s Word.

If you want to learn more about St. Patrick, his story is well worth exploring. His life and ministry continue to inspire Christians around the world. An internet search will open plenty of doors to learning more, and St. Patrick would agree that reading and exploring are great things!

In the meantime, put on something green today. Practice “green” by recycling and caring for the earth. Let it be a small reminder that God carefully crafted our world into an amazingly beautiful place.

“The earth is the LORD’S, and all that is in it.” (Psalm 24:1a, NRSVue)