There are several things that we have to understand here.
- We have to understand the teaching of the Church on other faiths. That is that all truth, no matter where it is found, remains truth and is revealed by God. Those who follow the truth that is available to them, will eventually end up finding Christ. This is very clear in John Paul II’s Ut Unum Sint.
- I do not know whether Mother was familiar with John Paul’s writing, but she certainly was familiar with the scripture and lived the faith at many levels. It would not be impossible for her to understand, even it by infusion of grace, that truth is found in many places. She would also understand that there is a difference between truth and the fullness of truth. She makes no statement about the fullness of truth.
Mother simply makes a statement that one must follow goodness where ever one finds it. Scripture tells us that goodness is Christ himself. Truth is Christ himself. Therefore, she is really encouraging her audience to follow Christ, even though all that can be found outside of the Church is his shadow, that is enough to begin the journey. I am reminded of the woman who touched his garment and believed it was enough to heal her and Mary, “Do whatever he tells you.”
Man has to begin his journey toward Christ somewhere. Where that is, we do not always know. As Fr. Benedict says, “God chooses to reveal himself on his own terms.” The Church believes this. However God chooses to reveal himself, all roads lead to Christ. Eventually, a good Muslim, Jew, Protestant, Hindu and so forth, will find their way home. Mother was very aware of this mysery. The important thing is to always choose the greater good as it becomes known.
- Finally, this has nothing to do with Mother’s statement. It is simply a clarification of something that has been said here and on other threads. Some people say “Mother is not canonized, she is JUST a blessed.”
Let us remember that there is no such thing as JUST a blessed. The Church only beaitfies someone after the study of their life and work is complete and found to be heroic and there is one proven miracle attributable to the intercession of that person. This is no small achievement. There is little doubt that the person is in heaven.
The second miracle is required to confirm what the Church already believes. But it can be dispensed with and the person can be declared a saint.
Bl. Mother Teresa is on the liturgical calendar of her diocese in Calcutta and that of her congregation. There are also parishes that have been named after her. In my own diocese we have two new parishes: Bl. Mother Teresa and the other is Bl. John XXIII. They have been canonically erected. This means that these parishes can include Mother Teresa and John XXIII in the Eucharistic Prayer during the liturgy.
The study and the miracles have been dispensed with on a number of occasions since the Church began formal canonizations in the 12th century. Shortly after, Pope Gregory IX dispensed with the entire process and canonized Francis of Assisi based on his personal knowledge of St. Francis. Pope Nicholas IV dispensed with the entire process and canonized Clare of Assisi, based on his knowledge of her, because Nicholas was a Secular Franciscan and knew Clare personally as she had been his spiritual director.
Let us be careful not to overstate or understate Beatification. The facts are the person has led a heroic life and there is no doubt on the part of the Church and at least one miracle can be attributed to the individual’s prayers, after death.
On the other hand, none of this is necessary for canonization, just the faith of the Pope.
Fraternally,
Br. JR, OSF
– Very good point. Mother Theresa also refered to herself, if I can quote her correctly, as “A pencil in God’s Hand.”
Imagine the sheer hoplessness of most of us if that was the case. though there are egos on these boards who wouldn’t be worried, though they should be.