In Mother Teresa's Darkness, there was Light

In Mother Teresa’s Darkness, there was Light

Eileen Renders

Mother Teresa, the little woman with so much power, dignity, and humility. Many of us have read about the darkness that she felt at times, and have not quite understood the meaning of her “dark night.” Some have read the book, “Mother Teresa’s Secret Fire,” and understand that it was her great love for the suffering poor and her enormous amount of empathy that caused her great pain. Yes, there were times when she did not understand why God allowed little children to suffer on the ground and die, the homeless, the poor, and the deserted. Mother Teresa carried a cross (much similar to the one Jesus Himself carried).

Pope John Paul 11 comments on Jesus’ own experience of dark night on Calvary, which Mother Teresa would mirror and share. We all can feel the pain when Jesus was Crucified and called out to His Father in Heaven, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me?” Yet with faith and great love, He called out just before He expired, surrendering to His death, “Father, into thy hands, I commend my spirit.”

Mother Teresa wanted so much to go into the Streets of the worst place where anyone could survive, the Streets of Calcutta. She was turned down for that plea and waited until she was able to go help the suffering people.

On that day, when she was finally given authority to be there and help the hopeless, she felt pure joy! She often experienced the darkness that exists in the world, the suffering, the dying without any comfort, understanding, or care. However, the Light remained in her heart, the Light of Christ. Mother Teresa never shared that she had seen Christ, yet her faith only grew stronger over the years. She longed to be with Christ and wanted nothing more than to live and serve God, to one day be with God forever.

“Blessed are those who have not seen, yet believe.” Mother Teresa has been said to be approximately 4’11”, and her weight is unknown. She is described as a tiny, wiry, energetic person.

   Most of us. too, will have at some time, dark clouds over our heads. Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior, has shown us how He would never ask us to do what He has done for us. Saint Teresa taught us what faith and trust can do for each of us, and that is to use our faith and trust in God to accept our own Cross and keep the Light and Love of Christ within our hearts.

None of us enjoys pain or suffering, be it physical, emotional, or spiritual. However, none among us is an exception, and therefore, to be excluded from pain in this world. Yes, we will be tested, and when that time comes, we might hold a truth within our hearts, “Faith is an Action word.”

God never asks for more than He gives; therefore, we can be assured that what God has in store for those who love Him will be a reward worth working toward receiving!