Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta

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Mother Teresa, foundress of the Missionaries of Charity and one of Pope John Paul II's numerous beati, was one of the most charitable women who has ever lived. Her work on behalf of the "poorest of the poor" earned her a monumental reputation among people throughout the world, and people of every faith. Despite all of that, she was a human being, who doubtlessly struggled agains sin and despair; and she was a Catholic, who was taught that faith and life are exercises in hope and perseverance.

Apparently, the reporters and editors at NBC Nightly News do not understand Catholic teaching about spiritual aridity. In a story that aired last night on the show, the reporter claimed that Mother Teresa "suffered from profound, persistent spiritual pain," and that she "doubted the existence of heaven or God." Yet again, America received an inaccurate picture of the Catholic Faith and its teachings on prayer, spiritual aridity, and the corporal and spiritual works of mercy.

Mother Teresa was no different, except in the duration of her struggle, from so many other faithful Catholics who have dealt with "dark nights of the soul" on their journey toward God (me included). There was a whole book written about the benefits of spiritual aridity...titled Dark Night of the Soul by St. John of the Cross. Dark nights of the soul are, in fact, gifts from God to some people because they strengthen souls against temptation.

Holy Mother Church teaches that the faithful can engage in ritualistic activity (either prayer, worship, or works) in order to pull themselves through the dark nights. Those activities provide a sense of comfort and purpose in the midst of questions. People who practice such activities understand that "Christ is everywhere," even when we don't feel his presence.

People, including the viewers of NBC Nightly News, must understand that sainthood is not always brought about by a flourishing prayer life. Rather it is found in people who reach "courageous charity" (as my pastor called it); people who build Christ's kingdom on earth even when they don't feel like it. Mother Teresa did just that. But the news story linked above only served to tarnish her reputation for heroic charity, as well as her faith that God could work for good in any circumstance.

Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

God Bless.

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