This episode of the Breakthrough of Grace Podcast features reflections gathered and curated by Mark Kalpakgian. Mark’s talk is inspired by the life, the example and the witness of St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta- and in particular, by the recently pushed collection of stories and accounts from her life published in the book “To Love and Be Loved“ by Jim Tuohey. We venerate St. Mother Theresa as a Saint – and rightfully so. Jim Tuouy’s book, and Mark’s reflections on both it and on Mother Theresa’s impact on his own life, give us insight into what were the key attributes which caused St. Mother Theresa’s life to be holy – and in particular, in the less obvious ways? This talk was recorded at John Paul the Great University in Southern California with a small prayer group: we pray that it blesses you as much as it did us.

Reflect on this scripture which sets the tone for this talk:

17 As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. “Good teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

18 “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother.’[d]”

20 “Teacher,” he declared, “all these I have kept since I was a boy.”

21 Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

What stands out to you, and what is God offering to you today through this Scripture?

In the chapel of the Motherhouse of the Missionaries of Charity in Kolkata, there is a large crucifix, and adjacent the crucifix the words of Christ from the Cross (John 19:38) “I Thirst”.

Mother Theresa taught the following,:

Why does Jesus say "I Thirst"? What does it mean? . . . If you remember anything from Mother's letter, remember this — 'I Thirst' is something much deeper than just Jesus saying 'I love you.' Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you — you can't begin to know who He wants to be for you. Or who He wants you to be for Him.

Spend some time in prayer reflecting on Mother Theresa’s words.

Meditation courtesy of CatholicEducation.org

I Thirst': Mother Teresa's Devotion to the Thirst of Jesus (catholiceducation.org)

Audio Editing by ForteCatholic.com