August 22

If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.—LUKE ix, 23.

There are small crosses I may take,

Small burdens I may bear,

Small acts of faith, and deeds of love,

Small sorrows I may share;

And little bits of work for Thee,

I may do everywhere.

So I ask Thee, Lord, to give me grace

My little place to fill,

That I may ever walk with Thee,

And ever do Thy will;

And in each duty great or small,

I may be faithful still.

ANONYMOUS.

To take up the Cross of Christ is no great action done once for all; it consists in the continual practice of small duties which are distasteful to us.

J. H. NEWMAN.