Contemplative Focus
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
Sister Marian Steffens, OCD
Barrington Carmel
Periodically on the NBC NIGHTLY NEWS, there is a segment called “Making a Difference.” The series endeavors to highlight good news and reports on persons who are instruments for good in the lives of others who are in stressful situations.
In pondering our call to contemplative prayer, I realized in a new way how all of us can indeed make a difference in our world. In this year of preparation for the fifth centenary of the birth of Teresa of Jesus and the rereading of the text of her Life, I came to appreciate the richness of her gifts. This Spanish mystic has many titles: Foundress, Reformer, Mother of Spirituality, Writer, Doctor of the Church. Here is a woman so real, so profound, so passionate and prayerful that one can easily feel her impact on those with whom she conversed.
Her major written works on prayer continue to nourish and influence thousands who read them. However, her wit and wisdom are most evident in her correspondence. Historians have calculated that in the last twenty years of her life, Teresa must have written over 15,000 letters! About 500 of these letters have survived. They are addressed to a great variety of people, from her family members to the King of Spain himself. Numerous letters were written to her prioresses, to theologians, confessors, bishops and, of course, to her beloved Gratian!
We learn much about Teresa in these letters, in which she is charmingly simple and spontaneous (no fear of the Inquisition here). We see a woman skilled in areas of finance, real estate, architecture, taxes, construction, contracts, and civil law. Her practical approach to responsibilities might encourage us in our daily living. Teresa was, along with all her titles to fame, an experienced businesswoman and a great negotiator. She encouraged us in many ways to be bearers of the Good News in our everyday encounters. Her advice flowed from a heart centered in God.
In the many demanding business matters of the Reform, there is evidence everywhere of Teresa's deep faith. It was faith that guided her, leading her through persecutions, poor health, setbacks and misunderstandings. In this Teresa shows us that at the heart of Carmelite life and contemplative prayer, it is faith expressed in love that counts and that makes the difference. Jesus is at the center of her life (our life) to radiate, to touch and to transform every dimension of the day.
Teresa gave us many counsels in her major writings to help us on the journey. One that comes to mind is to always keep our eyes on Jesus. Did she not say to us that all our troubles come from not doing this?
There is a verse from a hymn which we sing that captures this reflection:
Living stream that heals the nations,
Make us channels of your power.
All the world is torn by conflict;
Wars are raging at this hour.Saving Spirit, move among us
Guide our winding human course
Till we find our way together
Flowing homeward to our Source.
“Healing River of the Spirit” Text: Ruth C. Duck, 1996
