And We Make Four

 "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues." 1 Corinthians 12: 27-28 (NIV)

I found a four leafed clover in our son’s farm yard in Muncie, IN a few years ago and another one here in Huntington, IN about a year ago. Someone asked if I look for them. No. While going about my day I see something in the grass that is different about the green that is under my feet. Today, on St. Patrick’s Day, I thought about the extra leaf on the clover.

It is said that St. Patrick taught the people of Ireland about the Holy Trinity by referring to the clover. He said that the three leaves represent the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Since I occasionally see a clover with a fourth leaf, it came to me, that the fourth may represent us, the body of Christ. The first three are the Spiritual aspects of God and the fourth is the connection to us, those upon the path home, serving as we go.

My question for St. Patrick’s Day: are we recognized in the grass among the other three leafed clover and single blades of grass? Are we really the hands and feet, the body of Christ, or are we lost in the maze of other, similar but different, green foliage? Let this be the day, three days before Spring - on St. Patrick’s Day - when we decide not to hide so deeply in the dirt that the glory of God, that shines through His earthly body, cannot be seen. Be bold in your radiance. The reflection of God cannot be hidden, unless we hide our light in the closet, or under a lowly toad stool. Blessed be the name of the Lord, whom we serve. Let us pray:

"Holy God, three-in-one, we bow before your Holy name. May this be the day when your kingdom draws close enough to take us inside its gates. Father God, we want to be your body here on earth. We long to be the fourth leaf on your stem. Forgive us when we have hidden in the tall grass, hoping to live obscure lives of quiet indecision. Fill us with your Holy presence, that the life you offer may flow through us and shine on those around us. In the name of Jesus, the Christ, I pray. Amen"

Doris
"God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine." Copyright 2014 Doris Gaines Rapp

Website: www.dorisgainesrapp.com