[Convert from ECUSA]

From my limited reading of the saints, it seems that everyone of them went through “dark night” experiences, struggling with doubts and aridity; it seems to be a part of what all Christians go through in their walk. God tests us to see if we will exercise Faith, Hope, and Charity even when we have no sensible consolations, to see if our love for Him is real. I have never met a Christian yet (of any denomination) that hasn’t had those “dark night” times in their lives.

Mother Theresa’s life witness puts her critics to shame.

[AnAmericanMother]

Exactly. Think of St. John of the Cross, of St. John Vianney . . . even the Little Flower, St. Therese! . . . and the Gospel from last Sunday - "Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth."

Spiritual aridity is almost one of the hallmarks of sainthood.

Our parochial vicar (the wild one - Fr. Krunk) touched on this in his homily. I told him afterwards that when the Today Show started in on Mother Teresa, it was a good thing I didn't have access to them and a two by four because I would have knocked somebody upside of the head. His response: 'Please pray for me.' < g > 'Course I will!

[NYer]

Why do you suppose this story is being given so much headline and attention on tv and in the media?

[Zechariah_8_13]

From my limited reading of the saints, it seems that everyone of them went through “dark night” experiences, struggling with doubts and aridity; it seems to be a part of what all Christians go through in their walk. God tests us to see if we will exercise Faith, Hope, and Charity even when we have no sensible consolations, to see if our love for Him is real. I have never met a Christian yet (of any denomination) that hasn’t had those “dark night” times in their lives. Mother Theresa’s life witness puts her critics to shame.

Well said. I am sure that her reward in Heaven is the greater for persevering in faith despite the Dark Night.