I recently read a book about Teresa of Calcutta titled “I loved Jesus in the Night” by Fr. Paul Murray, O.P.
Mother Teresa’s foundation of the Missionaries of Charity and work with the poor has always been something I’ve found admirable but not a life with which I could identify. What drew me to this book was the revelation that she had spiritual struggles. I think most people can identify with that in one way or another. Despite her life of good work and prayerfulness she was left with a sense of the absence of God, a long Dark Night of the Soul. I won’t belabor trying to explain what that all means, if you are unfamiliar with the concept of the “Dark Night” there are many good books and probably some adequate websites that can do a better job of explaining it than I could.
It isn’t the Dark Night I can identify with but simply the fact that she struggled. Here is someone that lived the fullest life of devotion and charity yet she suffered with a spiritual emptiness. She is quoted in one of her letters as saying "If I ever become a saint … I will surely be one of darkness." That is an inspirational thought! It should give everyone hope during those times when our life or work seems difficult or dry or even meaningless. Carry on! If someone like Mother Teresa who despite all her good work, struggled but kept at it, so can we.
The second thing that struck me from the book was the mention of “finding your own Calcutta” This is one of the more widespread quotes from Mother Teresa. I actually found a fuller quote from another book:
“Stay where you are… find your own Calcutta. Find the sick, the suffering, the lonely right there where you are… in your own homes and in your own families, in your workplaces and schools.” So often she told us to “start at home, at the level where you are called.”
“Mother Teresa’s Lesson of Love & Secrets of Sanctity” by Susan Conroy P.201.
In today’s hectic world often referred to as “the rat race”, you might question what sense there is in all the sweat and tears that you go through. You might question if you have made the right choices in life and might have been happier in a different career or life style. I think that might be a valid feeling but simply the wrong thinking.
At this point in time the rat race perhaps seems more senseless than ever. With the world economic downturn and losses of savings and retirement funds you might feel at a loss and despondent. Maybe this is a good time to stop and do some reassessment.
We don’t need to go to extraordinary places and live extraordinary lives to fulfill the call of the Gospels to serve.
