By
accident in the past few weeks I stumbled on an interview with Rev. T.D. Jakes,
one of the nations most prominent African-American megachurch pastors. The interview concerned the recent
canonization of St. Theresa of Calcutta, and the interviewer was questioning
Rev. Jakes about the revelation that Mother Theresa suffered interior darkness
and even temptations against faith. Rev. Jakes gave an excellent reply,
explaining how true faith can be compatible with experiencing doubt and
struggling against darkness. In fact,
his discussions reminded me of passages from Benedict XVI on the relationship
of faith and doubt.
Our
readings this week take up the theme of faith, both Israel’s faith under the
old covenant and the faith to which we are called in the new. Jesus urges us not to despair even if we feel
our faith is pitiful. God can work
wonders using small material.
