Meditation from Bl. John Henry Newman on the Great Mercy of God

From the Meditations and Devotions of Bl. John Henry Newman

 “For you and for many for the forgiveness of sins.”

I cannot penetrate Thy secret decrees, O Lord! I know Thou didst die for all men really; but since thou hast not effectually willed the salvation of all, and since Thou mightest have done so, it is certain that Thou doest for one what Thou dost not do for another.

I cannot tell what has been Thy everlasting purpose about myself, but, if I go by all the signs which Thou hast lavished upon me, I may hope that I am one of those whose names are written in Thy book.

But this I know and feel most entirely, what I believe in the case of all men, but know and feel in my own case, that, if I do not attain to that crown which I see and which is within my reach, it is entirely my own fault.

Thou hast surrounded me from childhood with Thy mercies; Thou hast taken as much pains with me as if I was of importance to Thee, and my loss of heaven would be Thy loss of me. Thou hast led me on by ten thousand merciful providences; Thou hast brought me near to Thee in the most intimate of ways; 

Thou hast brought me into Thy house and chamber; Thou hast fed me with Thyself. Dost Thou not love me? really, truly, substantially, efficaciously love me, without any limitation of the word?

I know it. I have an utter conviction of it.

Thou art ever waiting to do me benefits, to pour upon me blessings.

Thou art ever waiting for me to ask Thee to be merciful to me.

*Day 3 of our Novena to Bl. John Henry Newman continues for An Irish Ordinariate.  Prayer to Bl. John Henry at the top of sidebar to the right