CBB Review: A Call to Mercy

Last updated on: September 8, 2016 at 1:00 am by Pete Socks

CBB Review: A Call to Mercy 2016-08-28T09:45:58-05:00 Pete Socks

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

A Call to Mercy: Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve is a collection of posthumous writings by Mother Teresa herself. It’s release coincides with Pope Francis’ Year of Mercy and the Vatican’s canonization of Mother Teresa on September 4th. Father Brian Kolodiejchuk provides the introduction as well as compiling the writings for the book. Father served as postulator for the cause of beatification and sainthood of Mother Teresa.

The book serves as a faithful witness of Mother Teresa’s wisdom and example on how to show others mercy. It was often acknowledged that while she lived, Mother Teresa was a living saint, though much to her chagrin. Her writing substantiates and proves these observations. Mother Teresa is a saint who walked among us who only desire was to turn the spotlight off of herself and instead shine it on the plight of the poor whom she served.

The books fourteen chapters cover the myriad of Mother’s mission while here on earth. These also so happen to be the seven corporal and seven spiritual works of mercy. So that you have an idea of what is covered the chapters are:

Feed the Hungry, Give Drink to the Thirsty, Clothe the Naked, Shelter the Homeless, Visit the Sick, Visit the Imprisoned, Bury the Dead, Instruct the Ignorant, Counsel the Doubtful, Admonish the Sinners, Bear Wrongs Patiently, Forgive Offenses Willingly, Comfort the Afflicted, Pray for the Living and the Dead.

Each chapter contains a short introduction to Mother Teresa’s understanding of each, this is followed by a selection of quotes from her writings (these include letters to her sisters, friends, public addresses and speeches). Additionally, there are testimonies as given by those who worked closest to her. Rounding out each chapter are a number of questions that prompt reflection and a prayer to aid in this reflection.

In A Call to Mercy we once again hear the voice of Mother Teresa speaking to us about God’s message of merciful love and our own part in playing a part as a channel of that love. Mother Teresa was the epitome of love. She exemplified love and mercy her entire life and taught us through her example how to do the same. From the introduction:

“Her words, characterized by her distinctive simplicity and depth, are given their due importance…..The authenticity of her teaching is brought to the fore of the authenticity of her living; thus her teachings are words of wisdom that can serve as matter for prayer and contemplation as well as an impetus to action, a call to imitation”.

The occasion of Mother Teresa’s canonization is cause for joy for all of us from those who witnessed her from afar to those like Father Brian Kolodiejchuk who knew her personally. Everyone can once more hear the voice of Mother Teresa through her own words in the newly released A Call to Mercy. We can all learn some measure of mercy from her and find a way to enact it in our own corner of the world. With great joy and the authority of the Church we can now proclaim, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, pray for us!

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Review

A Call to Mercy

Father Brian Kolodiejchuk

Mother Teresa. Image Books

review

Previous Post

September 7, 2016

Keep speculation in bounds, Angels: Day 048

Next Post

September 8, 2016 Remember you weakness, Angels: Day 049

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category A Year with Mary A Year with the Angels A Year with the Church Fathers Book News Children's Review Featured CD Giveaway Guest Post Interview Linked Review Media review Movie Review New Releases Off the Shelf Review speakers Teen Review The Clergy Speaks The Laity Speaks The Open Book Podcast Uncategorized

Select a Month October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz