For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink. Matthew 25.
Saint Mother Theresa once said, “The greatest disease is not TB or Leprosy; it is being unloved, unwanted and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair and hopelessness is love..” . This great Saint of our time gave tirelessly and freely of herself to those of such immense need deep in the heart of Calcutta. I read many books on her life and ponder on the greater meaning of life and how each of us builds another. The question I always ask myself, Lord how can I love in a greater way? I feel as a sinner a twinge of guilt when I fail to follow His will. Deep down there’s a disappointment when I fall short of doing good for others or when I put limits on my charity towards others.
Mother Theresa is a model for me in many ways in her answering the call to serve others and her great devotion to God, even when she herself struggled. She had a great love for Mother Mary, my guide whom I revere that leads me to Jesus and God. At the forefront in personal soul searching and prayer, I have been pondering the act of charity. I reflect on the world’s view of charity and God’s view. Mother Theresa always reminded us, acts of love in kindness in small ways made tremendous difference and can change lives. I reflect greatly on the ways in which to let go of any self need and only love. It’s natural and greatly satisfying for us to sacrifice for our family and those close to us but how can we love in a greater way. The Bible shares, if we love only when we are loved how easy it is, but how can we love when we are not given that love, that would be tremendous. God asks us to seek from His love and strength to allow us to grow in true love. He asks that although the world is not able to meet all our needs that we truly seek, His love and faith in Him will allow us to live a fuller life. Surrendering can be a challenge. How do we go beyond a barter and give to others in need something that we ourselves have yet to find? In our humanness and self seeking reasons, it may hold us back from giving our heart freely and fully. If we dare to take a leap of faith, it will bear great fruit. Mother Theresa placed no boundaries on her immense love. She gave selflessly and wholly. Imagine living such an amazing life. I imagine there may have been times of emptiness but through it all she fixed her eyes on God. She seen the face of Jesus in others.
In my younger days one of the things I loved doing most with my family was visiting. After a long days work or school, we visited family and friends to share conversation and food. I’d play with cousins but most of the time I’d sit alongside the elders and listen. This time of having to be apart from family and friends provided me an opportunity to reach out in small ways by little visits, calls, sharing treat to those God has placed in my life. There was some that I had set aside in some way for one reason or another, that I realize there is no better time than the present. The key being with no expectation from anyone other than to be there for them. During my time that I needed, as I a mother sent young daughters as nurses into this unknown, all I could think of was How can I give in some way.? I would have taken their place if I could but I knew that God had an amazing plan for them, I just had to believe. What a journey it has been when I chose to do what I felt God wanted me to do, one that gave a great sense of peace.
It happens all around us people doing God’s will and experiencing greater peace and joy. A good Christian friend, I meet for weekly coffee visits recently lost her mother in law whom was dearly loved, decided to reach out to others. We are teachers and on the eve of returning back to school there has been much worry in the community with families and teachers. She decided, even though she is still grieving, to reach out to others and start an encouragement group. She said, I need encouragement myself but I have to help others. She has her eyes fixed on God and she knows that in all things only He will provide. How beautiful a soul she is.
It leaves me again in such awe and wonderment that even in the littlest acts of kindness to love even when we ourselves are in need, there is fruitfulness. At the end of the day when human options have wilted like an unwatered flower, God always provides. When we see the frailty of humans and try to see Jesus in others, we humble ourselves. With humility our heart softens and opens. It is in the smallest acts of love that begin with Jesus and continues to flow and seep into life. My hope is divine love. It is in those times we set aside past pains or hurts and simply love one another, that we can have peace and joy. We are not promised to live free of suffering but in all of it God is with us. His Grace changes everything. The more we seek God the more we know love. Let us remove the brakes on love and live free and at peace. Trying to achieve limitless love is a wonderful focus for each of us..
Mother Theresa devoted her life to the poor and destitute with open hands and heart. How then are you being called to serve God with a open heart and love?
Let us pray. Lord, you are divine and perfect love. Let us seek divine love beyond the limits of our sins or sins of others towards us. We have so far to go yet following your example we know without doubt there is no leader greater than you. You are the author of our lives, the beginning and the finisher. Let us follow your greatest commandment to love you above all and love our neighbours as you have loved us. Amen.
Claudia
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