John Newton and "Amazing Grace"

A Reflection on Today's Reading

 In our parish bulletin,

 the Reflection on today's scripture reading

refers to John Newton who wrote "Amazing Grace."

I found this so like the scripture verse

in Matthew 8:26 when the apostles' fear

became so great that they woke Jesus 

that I had to share it with my readers. 

Newton had been a slave trader and a drunk 

when a violent storm threatened to sink his ship 

with all those aboard.  

For the first time in his life, he prayed.

He was saved as were those on his ship. 

After that episode, he quit the slave trade

and spent the remainder of his life repenting, 

writing hymns, 

and eventually becoming a minister.

Remember this tale which sums up the grace 

given Newton by God whenever singing or hearing this hymn.

More details of his life can be found here and here.

Prayer to God: Trust

A Christmas gift from two granddaughters

 is aiding me on my Lenten path this year.  

They had checked my wish list on Amazon.com 

and saw that my number one wish 

was to have a year's subscription

to the Magnificat magazine 

published by St. Anthony Messenger Press.

Having an interest in the lives of saints,

I ordered Lent with the Saints: Daily Reflections

by Greg Friedman, O.F.M.

Today's reading and suggestion...

(Reflect, then write a petition 

for some special need.)

led to my composing a prayer.

Lord, I ask that my trust in you
grow and bloom
as does the cactus in the desert.
My thirst for faith in you
to be quenched alone
by your Word.