September 10, Thursday Weekday

Let everything that breathes praise the Lord!-- Psalm 150:6

Mass readings: Colossians 3:12-17 / Luke 6:27-38

Blessed Teresa's Inspiration Day

The world remembers Blessed Teresa of Calcutta on September 5, the anniversary of her death in 1997. But her Missionaries of Charity also celebrate today as ''Inspiration Day.'' On Sept. 10, 1946, the 36-year-old nun was on a train, headed to Darjeeling. During the journey, she received from Jesus a ''call within a call.'' Jesus asked her to found a new religious community devoted to the ''poorest of the poor.'' After great struggles, the order was established in 1950.

Later, Mother Teresa was often asked how she persevered. Her advice was the same as we find today in Colossians: ''Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.'' She also added, ''God doesn't ask us to be successful: God asks us to be faithful.''

Prayer: Blessed Teresa, help us to be open to God's inspiration and faithful to it.