Episode 2474: Living in the Present - Morning Episode

Today, we’re reflecting on the call to live in the present moment, a message emphasized by the life and words of St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
In a world that often pushes us to dwell on the past or worry about the future, Mother Teresa reminds us that “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin.” We will also explore how embracing the present moment with gratitude and joy transforms our daily lives and draws us closer to God, as reflected in the life of St. Mother Teresa.
Embracing the Present Moment
St. Mother Teresa’s simple yet profound statement, “Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow has not yet come. We have only today. Let us begin,” calls us to recognize the beauty and importance of living in the present moment. So often, we find ourselves caught up in the regrets of the past or anxieties about the future, but in doing so, we miss the grace that God is offering us right now.
This echoes the wisdom of Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” God gives us the gift of each new day, and He invites us to live fully in it, trusting in His providence and grace.
Living in the present moment is not just about ignoring our responsibilities or the reality of the future, but about being fully present to the people, opportunities, and graces that God places in our path today. It is a call to trust in God’s plan and to be faithful in the small, everyday moments of life.
Mother Teresa understood this deeply. Despite the overwhelming poverty, suffering, and spiritual challenges she faced, she lived each day with a heart full of gratitude and joy, knowing that God was with her in every moment. She teaches us that it is in the simple acts of love, done in the present moment, that we fulfill God’s will.
Finding Joy Amidst Daily Challenges
In his book 33 Days to Morning Glory, Michael E. Gaitley highlights how St. Mother Teresa embraced the present moment despite the many hardships she faced. He writes, “Oftentimes, we don't recognize the many gifts that God pours out to us in our daily lives. What we do recognize are daily annoyances, burdens, difficulties, and inconveniences. These win our attention. These get us complaining. These get us in a bad mood and sap our energy.”
This is a reality that many of us can relate to. It’s easy to focus on what’s going wrong in our lives—the frustrations, the difficulties, the things that didn’t go as planned. Yet, Mother Teresa’s life is a witness to a different way of living. As Gaitley notes, “Despite all this, she radiated joy. She smiled. She marveled at the good things God did in her life and in the lives of others, and she pondered the countless loving details arranged by Our Lady. Seeing and recognizing all this, she didn’t complain.”
Mother Teresa teaches us to shift our focus from what is burdensome to what is beautiful. Even in the midst of great suffering, she saw God’s presence in the smallest details of life. This attitude of gratitude is a powerful antidote to negativity, and it opens our hearts to the joy that God wants to give us.
Scripture reminds us of this attitude in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” Gratitude is not merely a feeling, but a choice. By choosing to focus on God’s gifts, even in difficult times, we allow His joy to fill our hearts.
The Role of Trust in Living for Today
Living in the present moment and finding joy in it requires a deep trust in God’s providence. We must trust that God is in control and that He will provide for our needs. This trust allows us to let go of our worries about tomorrow and focus on what God is asking of us today.
Jesus Himself invites us to this trust in Matthew 6:34: “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” This is not a call to neglect our responsibilities, but rather a reminder that God is with us in every moment, and He will give us the grace we need for each day.
Mother Teresa’s life was a testament to this trust. She often faced overwhelming challenges, yet she remained confident in God’s providence. She knew that by living each day faithfully, God would accomplish His will through her. Her life teaches us that we don’t need to have everything figured out. We simply need to trust in God’s plan and be faithful in the present moment.
Conclusion
St. Mother Teresa’s life and teachings remind us of the importance of living in the present moment with gratitude and trust. She shows us that even in the midst of difficulties, we can find joy by recognizing God’s presence in our lives and focusing on the blessings He gives us each day.
As we go about our daily lives, let us remember the words of Psalm 118:24, “This is the day which the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Let us choose to live in the present moment, trusting in God’s providence and finding joy in His presence.
Closing Prayer
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of this day, for the countless blessings You pour out upon us, and for the grace to live in the present moment. Help us to follow the example of St. Mother Teresa, who found joy even in the midst of great suffering by trusting in Your providence and focusing on the gifts You gave her.
Lord Jesus,
Teach us to live each day with a heart full of gratitude and joy, to recognize Your presence in our lives, and to trust in Your plan for us. Help us to let go of our worries about tomorrow and to be faithful in the small moments of today.
Holy Spirit,
Guide us in our daily lives. Fill us with the peace that comes from trusting in God’s providence and the joy that comes from living in His presence. Help us to radiate that joy to others, so that we may be witnesses to Your love in the world.
We ask this through the intercession of St. Mother Teresa and in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.