I once was lost, but now am found; was blind, but now I see
If I was to ask you from what hymn the above line comes from, I expect that you would immediately and confidently tell me it was from “Amazing Grace” written by John Newton (1725-1807). Perhaps not so well known is that Sunday 1st January 2023, marks the 250th anniversary of that much loved hymn. John Newton penned the famous words “Amazing Grace” for a sermon for his 1773 New Year’s Service at the Church of St Peter and St Paul, Olney, some 60 miles north of London. It has been sung around the world at so many different occasions and reflects so much of our own humanity over the years. It identifies with our personal experiences which many of us can relate to. Of being lost; of being blind; of being fearful; of facing many dangers, toils and snares as well as offering us hope for living, not only now, but also for eternity.
In his letter to the Archdiocese of Munich written on 8th February 2022, Pope Benedict XVI wrote “quite soon, I shall find myself before the final judge of my life. Even though, as I look back, I can have great reason for fear and trembling, I am nonetheless of good cheer for I trust firmly that the Lord is not only the just judge, but also the friend and brother who himself has already suffered for my shortcomings, and is thus also my advocate. It grants me knowledge and indeed friendship, with the judge of my life, and thus allows me to pass confidently through the dark door of death”.
In his book of reflections and poetry entitled “Barefoot Ways” for Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, Stephen Cherry the Dean of King’s College, Cambridge writes about time which is very pertinent for today. He comments that “Waiting is a fundamental aspect of Christian living. Indeed, you might even say that the whole of Christian spirituality and ethics is about what you do while you wait. But waiting is not about being passive. It is about acting in a way that is realistic about the actual capacity we have to made a difference. Waiting is always a reminder of the extent to which we cannot control things as much as we would like. The Christian calendar exists to make the point that all time belongs to God. It is to say that whatever else we think we can do, we cannot hasten or shorten God’s timing. Accepting our limits is the first lesson in Christian spirituality. It’s not the last word, but it is a word of Advent. The message is that time, like power, is in God’s hands. Our task is to learn not how to take control, but how to tell God’s time and to respond to God’s power and grace”.
As we step out into this New Year, may we, like John Newton, be able to say “Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home”.