Darkness as a Gift
Instead of stifling her missionary zeal, Mother Teresa’s inner struggles increased her compassion and fueled her dedication to India’s poor. She sought to shine the light of Jesus’ love into their lives. In a 1961 letter to Father Joseph Neuner, her spiritual mentor, she wrote:
“When outside – in the work – or meeting people – there is a presence of somebody living very close in me. I don’t know what this is – but very often, even every day, that love in me for God grows more real.” This marked a turning point as she began to understand her darkness as a gift, allowing her to share personally and intimately in Christ’s suffering.
Learning to Love the Darkness
“For the first time in 11 years – I have come to love the darkness,” she wrote to Father Neuner. “For I believe now that it is a part, a very, very small part of Jesus’ darkness and pain on earth… Today really I feel a deep joy – that Jesus can’t go anymore through the agony – but that He wants to go through it in me.” Though the darkness did not disappear, she eventually felt peace, a strength that carried her through her life.
The Small Things
Mother Teresa’s ministry faced criticism. Some claimed she applied a Band-Aid to a cancer, caring for the poor without addressing systemic causes. Her intention, however, was deliberate: to show compassion one person at a time. Small gestures – a cool cloth on a feverish forehead, a murmured prayer, a warm smile – were her ministry.
She chose the name Mary Teresa to emulate Thérèse of Lisieux, who taught holiness through small acts, rather than dramatic feats like Teresa of Ávila. “There are many people who can do big things,” she said, “but there are few people who will do the small things.”
To be continued…
Tale Tuesday 136
Date: 1st July, 2025
Title: : MOTHER TERESA (The Pencil in God’s Hand) (Part 4)
Source: 50 Women Every Christian Should Know – Learning from Heroines of the Faith
Author: Michelle Derusha
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