Thrilling life of "Amazing Grace" author shows God's mercy

25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Sept. 18, 2011
Fr. Elvio Baldeon
Gospel: Matt. 20:1-16 The laborers in the vineyard

Homily summary: This is one of the most challenging Gospel readings. It is about God, who offers himself to people. There was a man named John Newton, born in 1725, whose father was the captain of a merchant ship. The son went to sea at the age of 11 in search of a different life.

The twin apostolates of prayer and the education of young women are pursued by the Visitation Sisters of Georgetown.

Are you searching for God’s calling?

Consider a life with the Washington, DC.

He was forced to serve in the British navy. He was ill treated, so he deserted, but was captured and then demoted as punishment. He requested to be transferred to a slave trading ship. He was rescued by the captain of another ship who knew his father.

Money to be made

John then saw that there was money to be made in the slave trade. He became the captain of a slave ship. He had no religious convictions. He didn”t care if God approved of his actions or not. And yet something happened. He found God. Or rather, God found him. His ship was battered by a terrible storm and was in danger of sinking. He said, “Lord have mercy on us.” His life was spared. He was convinced that God spoke to him through the storm.

He studied religion and became an Anglican minister. He then met William Cowper, a poet. John wrote the music for the hymn, “Amazing Grace.” It goes, “Twas grace that saved a wretch like me.” John Newton”s conversion was much like that of St. Augustine, Mary Magdalene, the repentant thief, or your neighbor. Could any of us tell God that he was unjust? No. The grace of God received is a gift, not a reward for work. God can come to different people, at different times. Thank God for calling us to receive the gift of conversion.