Journal of Sacred Work

Where is God in our Suffering? Days 243-244

September 5th marked the 25th anniversary since Mother Teresa died. Her legacy of unconditional love and caring for those in dire need lives on in the Missionaries of Charity. Mother Teresa founded this congregation in 1950 and the Sisters' good works continue to expand out and grow throughout the world. Mother Teresa's life of selfless service while living among the poorest of the poor to accomapany those suffering is a model that continues to inspire the Sisters, a life they embrace and cultivate wholeheartedly.  

In his WSJ article author Jim Towey asks the question, why is the congregation flourishing in these times? One answer is their deep and abiding faith in God and deep commitment to loving the world back to health one person at a time. Surely they live a life of purpose and courage with heroic strength to persevere. 

It has been reported elsewhere that in later years Mother Teresa did not feel God's presence in her life. I can imagine that living a life of complete sacrifice amid the immense human suffering that she experienced left her feeling drained and empty at times. Yet, even this did not stop her. She continued to pour love into others, bringing comfort and healing to so many. This sparks the existential question that we may ask. Where is God is all this suffering?

In the tireless service of one so true and the many who have follwed in her footsteps. 

Mother.Teresa.5

I leave you with these beautiful thoughts by Towey.

"If a tree is known by its fruit, Mother Teresa’s was the most bountiful of harvests. The anniversary of her death gives the world the opportunity to ponder her legacy and recommit to those who need compassion and care. Few of us can hope to change the world as she did, but all of us can change the world of those around us, starting in our own families and neighborhoods, bringing a smile to the forlorn, hope to the despairing and love to the unloved. As she often said, love is a fruit always in season."​

– excerpt from Jim Towey's column in 9/1/2022 Wall Street Journal, on the 25th anniversary of Mother Teresa's death​

Mother Teresa and the ‘Sisters Who Stay’ – WSJ

With gratitude and love,

Liz Sorensen Wessel

 

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2 responses to “Where is God in our Suffering? Days 243-244”

  1. Erie Chapman Foundation Avatar
    Erie Chapman Foundation

    “Love is a fruit always in season.” Is not it remarkable how Mother Theresa and other geniuses can take make it feel new with right phrasing? Thank you for letting this fruit bloom in your lovely post, Liz.

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  2. Maureen McDermott Avatar
    Maureen McDermott

    Thank you Liz for reminding us of how our fruit nourishes so many people and continues well after we have gone. We recall that at the time of Mother Theresa’s death it seemed to be overshadowed by the death of Princes Diana – women from very different backgrounds who touched the hearts of many. Now, we mourn another woman of faith and goodness who reached out in love and service, Queen Elizabeth 11. May the legacy of these great women and others like them continue to strengthen and inspire us.

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