21 January 2022

A Meditation - 
by Matthew Betts

Today, I would like us to reflect on the words of Saint John Henry Newman from his prayer, 'A Meditation'.

A Meditation

"God has created me to do Him some definite service; He has committed some work to me which He has not committed to another.  I have my mission - I may never know it in this life, but I shall be told it in the next.  I am a link in a chain, a bond of connection between persons.  He has not created me for naught.  I shall do good.  I shall do His work.  I shall be an angel of peace, a preacher of truth in my own place while not intending it - if I do but keep His Commandments. 

Therefore I will trust him. Whatever, wherever I am I can never be thrown away.  If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve Him; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve Him; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.  He does nothing in vain.  He knows what he is about.  He may take away my friends, He may throw me among strangers, He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me - still He knows what He is about.  Therefore I will trust Him. "

Saint John Henry Newman's words are useful to us during these difficult times of the Pandemic. Why not read the meditation again now and then ask yourself some questions on how you can “trust Him" more. Here are some suggestions...

  • What good can you do today?
  • How can you keep his commandments?
  • Will you trust God today and always?
  • How can you serve him right now?
  • Can you trust him?
  • Shall we ponder these questions each week?

 

             

The image above is from one of the Shrine's prayer cards printed in the 1950s and 1960s