St Teresa of Calcutta
Feast Day: September 5
Patron Saint of World Youth Day, Missionaries of Charity, Archdiocese of Calcutta (co-patron)
If you grew up in the late 20th Century (man alive, does that make me feel old!), you will be familiar with her work in providing hospice to the homeless and dying in Calcutta. Commonly referred to as simple Mother Teresa, she was a household name. Many regarded her as an inspiration and even the secular media would often call her a living saint. Less than 20 years after her death, she became a canonised saint.
She was an agent of change, as her ministry meant that people in Calcutta were no longer left to die on the streets. Though there were significant barriers to the kind of care they could provide, they were at least able to give a home and some comfort to the dying. That in itself was a far cry from the exclusion and even derision that they would have faced as they were left in their misery.
She has a powerful quote for anyone who wants to change the world today.
If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.
She points us to loving those around us. And love is so much more than a sentiment. Love requires concrete action, desiring the good of the other person, taking steps to make that happen. We should first extend our love to those closest to us, and those who we spend time with.
Yes, Saint Teresa of Calcutta tells us that change starts at home. In fact, change starts in our very hearts.
I really like the French word for heart: coeur. It speaks of the core. In the most inner part of you, your very essence. Our heart holds our disposition and our attitude.
Maybe this is where the change needs to begin in your life. Jesus is the answer to this change. First love Him. Then allow His love to fill you, show you how to truly love, and then let this love touch those closest to you. If we can radiate our love to our families, then just maybe, that love will spread to those around them and change the world.
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 