The Church recently recognized John Henry Newman as a canonized saint of the Church. A brilliant 19th century poet and author, Newman was an Anglican convert to Catholicism from England. While we believe that there are many people in heaven, the canonization process recognizes those who lived lives or heroic virtue in this life, and are interceding on our behalf to Jesus in heaven.
Today, let’s dwell in the prayer of this newly recognized saint…
God had 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 be 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 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. Amen