The Mission of My Life

by St. John Henry Cardinal Newman

Saint John Henry Newman, a convert from Anglicanism to Catholicism, was one of the most influential theologians of the past few centuries. Among his many writings, one of the most well-known is a poem titled The Mission of My Life. In it, Newman reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God. This poem offers profound guidance for anyone discerning their vocation, as it helps illuminate God's purpose for each of us and how we might faithfully cooperate with that divine plan.

The Mission of My Life

“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 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. If I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve Him. He does nothing in vain. He knows what He is about. He may take away my friends. He may throw me among strangers. He may make me feel desolate, make my spirits sink, hide my future from me. Still, He knows what He is about.”

  • God created us and brought us to life out of nothing except his own love for us. We are not accidents, we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps. 139:14). God created us all uniquely for a purpose, to know, love, and serve Him, so that we can be united with him forever in Heaven.

  • God uniquely made each us with different gifts, talents, and personalities. God wants to utilize these gifts and talents to use us to serve Him and those around us.

  • During the process of discernment, it can seem unclear as to where God is calling us. In this uncertainty, it can be easy to lose hope and live in fear. These voices are not from God. It is essential that we allow Jesus to meet us in these places. God may not directly give us the answers about our future, but He is encountering us in the present, even in our mess. Meeting Him in the present moment is the necessary step to discovering and living our mission on Earth and the mission He has for us in Heaven.

  • Discernment is not meant to be done alone. You are part of the Body of Christ as a member of the Catholic Church, and the Church wants to help you. Satan wants to isolate you and scare you in your discernment process, but that is not what Jesus wants. Jesus wants you to have peace, and the Church can help you to renounce the lies of Satan and supply you with a community to help you discern your vocation.

  • Our vocation is centered around giving ourselves in service completely to God and those around us. Those called to the diocesan priesthood are called to lay down their lives to God for the salvation of the souls in their parish. In religious life, brothers and sisters love the Lord by serving the members of their community by living out the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience and living out the charism of their order. In marriage, spouses glorify God by serving each other and their children and helping the members of their family to be great saints.

  • Discernment is less about intellectually ‘figuring out’ ones vocation or having big desires for the future. Discernment ultimately is an encounter with Jesus and a trust in His love for you. (See John 1:39-41 or Matthew 4:19) If you notice the Lord’s invitation, allow yourself to receive from Him and then follow Him with great courage.

  • We need to give Jesus all of our trust, no matter how we are feeling. This is especially exemplified by maintaining consistent times of conversation with Him (prayer!). Discernment is not possible if we are not praying, but it also becomes much easier the closer we are to Christ.

  • When discerning, we trust that every part of our lives, no matter how good or bad, can be incorporated into God’s plan. God is always drawing us closer to his love and his heart.