Today is St. Patrick’s Day, and so it seems appropriate to offer a brief defense of St. Patrick’s hymn as a baptismal exhortation in three short points:
First, baptism is Trinitarian. The Great Commission affirms this truth in Matthew 28 (“Baptizing them into the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit”), and Patrick’s hymn reflects this in the opening and closing verses: “I Bind Unto Myself Today the Strong Name of the Trinity.” The Triune God is the alpha and the omega of baptism.
Second, baptism is protective. It is the armor’s helmet in Ephesians 6, the Christian’s clothing in Galatians 3, and a sign of new life in Romans 6. Baptism protects. Patrick’s hymn reflects this: “Against the death-wound and the burning, the choking wave, the poisoned shaft, protect me Christ till thy returning.” Baptism signifies Christ’s protection over us.
And finally, baptism is fidelity. There is a rhythm to this great hymn. There is a logic to it all the way through verse 7, and then something dramatically happens in verse 8. The cadence changes, the rhythm is modified, and the central figure comes to the scene. Patrick puts Christ everywhere—above, within, behind, before, and in all places. And the allegiance is not ours to Jesus, but for Patrick, it’s Jesus’ fidelity to us to be with us from font to grave. Christ is ever faithful!
As we bring young and old to the font, let us remember our baptisms also, for in it, the Trinity is displayed, our lives are protected, and Christ surrounds us with his fidelity.
