We remember Saint Teresa of Calcutta for her radiant smile, a smile she maintained even when she underwent the harsh experience of the dark night of the spirit. That is indeed the case. It is difficult to believe, but Mother Teresa also experienced spiritual darkness and dryness. Let us learn more.
«I have begun to love my darkness»
The difficult period began after she left everything behind to serve the poorest of the poor, and it is believed that this darkness accompanied her until her death, with a brief interlude in 1958, during which she was able to write joyfully: «Today my soul is filled with love, unspeakable joy and an uninterrupted union of love». From a certain point onward, she hardly spoke of it anymore—not because the night had ended, but because she had by then adapted to living in it. She not only accepts this trial, but also recognizes the extraordinary grace it holds for her. «I have begun to love my darkness, because I now believe that it is a part, a very small part, of the darkness and suffering in which Jesus lived on earth».
She enabled people to experience the tenderness of God’s love
In light of all that has been said, what her holy life was able to convey and inspire in people’s hearts seems even more extraordinary. Mother Teresa wanted the people she cared for to experience the tenderness of God’s love. Her radiant smile and welcoming gestures sought to convey the message: you are loved, you are accepted. The persuasive power of Mother Teresa’s love had the ability to win hearts. The Saint herself recounted what happened one day, when a woman found on the pavement was brought to the house in Calcutta. She was in an appalling condition, her body covered in suppurating sores. “Mother” welcomed her with her great gentleness and spent hours caring for and cleaning her. Even in the face of the “mother of the poor’s” motherly attention, the woman continued to curse. The Saint wiped her sweat and moistened her parched lips. Finally, the woman exclaimed: «Sister, why do you do this? Not everyone does as you do; who taught you?» Mother Teresa replied: «My God taught me». And the woman asked: «Let me get to know your God». At this point, Mother Teresa embraced her and gave her one final enchanting answer: «You know my God now. My God is called Love».
Conclusion
The life of Saint Teresa of Calcutta teaches us perseverance in doing good and total adherence to God’s plan, even during the darkest moments of life. An example to follow, a beacon to look to.
