Some Definite Service

I’ve already mentioned The Ignatian Adventure by Kevin O’Brien, SJ. Sprinkled throughout are prayers and poems. I really liked this one from John Henry Cardinal Newman [1801-1890].

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;

in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him.

…He does nothing in vain.

…He knows what He is about.