I had a dear friend at the last congregation I pastored who died from melanoma. He was advised by his physicians that his illness was terminal and that he had no more than 6 months to live, despite several treatments with the "gamma knife." at a nearby hospital. My friend did indeed die from the cancer, which continued to metasisize despite the efforts of capable doctors. He lived for more than two years, into which he packed a rich life with his friends and family and congregation that was not only well-lived but which continues to be an example to me of Christian faithfulness.

When my friend passed away, I noticed a framed quotation on the wall of his living room by John Henry Cardinal Newman. I continue to treasure the reflection, both because it serves as a reminder of my friend's sense of Christian vocation and because it has come to mean much to me in my own life and ministry. Here's the quotation:

"God has created me to do some definite service. God has committed some work to me which has not been 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 shall be a preacher of truth in my own place. Whatever, wherever I am, I can never be thrown away. If I am in sickness, my sickness may serve the Lord; in perplexity, my perplexity may serve the Lord; if I am in sorrow, my sorrow may serve the Lord. God does nothing in vain. Therefore I will trust in the Lord."

Today I am comforted by Cardinal Newman's reflection once again. My denomination, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, has increasingly made decisions grounded in modern culture and human experience rather than in scripture and the great tradition of the Church. This direction grieves me and many other Lutheran clergy who believe that our vows require that we take a stand with orthodox Christianity. Although I cannot discern what God is up to with these departures from scripture and tradition, Cardinal Newman reminds me that God does nothing in vain, that God will eventually insure that "...all things work for the good of those who love him, who are called to his purpose" (Romans 8:28 ).

As for me, I will continue to do my best to be a preacher of truth in my own place.