Christian Living

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December
Surrender

Surrender seems to be a very important aspect of Mother Teresa's spirituality. She see's herself as nothing so that God can be everything. During Advent this seemed to be a perfect time to explore this with Mother Teresa. We can learn why it was important to her to let God use her as a pencil in his hands. She seemed to have a desire to empty her heart so God could fill it. What a wonderful reflection for Advent.

As we reflect on various quotes during Advent perhaps we can learn how to surrender to God our own desires, feelings, abilities, dreams, challenges, etc. so they can be transformed into a loving and spiritual life when we renew our baptism vows. Death to new life!

1-" I think God wants to show His greatness by my nothingness"

This is certainly a different way of living than what our culture prioritizes, isn't it. We are always running around trying to get that promotion. "pulling ourselves up by our boot straps". Is Mother Teresa telling us to leave everything for God and do nothing? I don't think so. I think she is saying, give God all your skills, talents, strengths, weaknesses, and worries to Him, so that every thing you have is His. Discern pray, and talk with people whose spiritual wisdom you respect, and then go out "into the vineyard."

2- "Poverty for us is freedom"

Has all our material things brought us freedom? I don't think so. In fact I think they have trapped us. We begin to think that we can't survive without our computer, car or any other modern convenience. We become attached to them. I am not saying we dispose of these, but to be aware that the only attachment to focus on is God. Being connected to Him.

3 "The pencil has to only be allowed to be used."

This can be a difficult quote to understand. I believe Mother Teresa is telling us that she see's herself as a pencil with God using her to do his work. That she is surrendering all of her will to Him. How can we follow Mother Teresa is this spiritual practice?

4 " We need a clean heart to see God."

When we are so consumed with our thoughts and feelings regarding fear, frustration, anger, hurt, etc. we are unable to experience and see God in ourselves, others, or nature.

5 " I just take one day. Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not come. We have only today to love Jesus."

If you are like me, it is hard to focus on just today. It is so easy to get caught up in the details in yesterday and tomorrow that we forget today. Maybe we can try and just think about it and the person we are talking with today.

6 -"It is His work. I think God wants to show His greatness by using nothingness."

Sometimes we think that this is my project or my job. Mother Teresa is telling us it is not only our job. Whenever you are helping others, or giving Gods love in some way, it is not your gifts you are using. It is not your love. It is the gifts God has given you and the love God has shown you so you can give it away to others.

7 " I want to give Jesus to all."

What do we want to give Jesus today? How do we go about giving Jesus to everyone?

8 " He gave up everything to do his fathers will."

Jesus was obedient to God even as he died on the cross. What can we do today to follow Jesus? Maybe eliminate negative thoughts about someone or prejudice against someone?

9 '" I am a little pencil in His hand."

What a beautiful way to surrender ourselves to God. The pencil has a job. It writes, but can do nothing unless it is someone's hand. Mother Teresa sees her self and ministries in God's hand. Can we do that today?

10 '" I don't know what God is doing. He knows."

Sometimes it is very hard to understand certain situations and our feelings .Mother Teresa seems to give all those feelings and questions to God. She realizes He is the only one who sees's the whole picture and has all wisdom. Is there an experience you have that you can give to Jesus?

11 " People do not respond because of me but because what we are doing."

If Mother Teresa just talked about God, never showing Gods love to people or lived their faith no one would notice or respond so strongly to her and her sisters. Do we live what we believe?
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