Inspiration from St. Teresa of Calcutta
Dear Parish Family,
At one of our recent prayer meetings, someone shared a beautiful reflection from St. Teresa of Calcutta. Thinking about how moved I was by this reflection, I wanted to share some inspiration this great saint gave us in the hopes to encourage you as we continue to serve the Lord.
St. Teresa often spoke of the need to love with "small things with great love". She reminded us that holiness is not found in grand gestures or in extraordinary acts, but in the everyday ways we show kindness, patience, and generosity. Her words continue to challenge us to seek God in the hidden, humble places of our daily lives: "Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love".
In a world that often values success, achievement, and recognition, St. Teresa teaches us that true greatness lies in the little things. Whether it’s offering a smile to a stranger, holding the door open for someone, or taking time to listen to a friend in need, these are the small acts that carry the heart of Christ. It’s through these small, daily moments of love that we
encounter God and transform the world around us.
Another powerful thought she shared was: “If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” St. Teresa understood the power of individual action. She knew that one person can make a difference, even if it seems small. This is especially true in our Christian calling to serve others. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the vast needs of the world and the many issues that seem beyond our control.
But St. Teresa’s message is simple: start where you are, with what you have, and do what you can. You may not be able to change the world all at once, but by helping one person at a time, you are bringing the light of Christ to someone in need. St. Teresa also deeply believed in the importance of seeing Jesus in every person, especially those who are suffering. She said: "Each one of them is Jesus in disguise."
This powerful reminder calls us to look beyond outward appearances and see the face of Christ in every person we encounter. Whether it’s the homeless person on the street, the elderly neighbor who feels forgotten, or the child who needs our attention, St. Teresa encourages us to see them through the eyes of love and compassion.
In our own lives, we can reflect on how we see and serve others. Do we look with compassion, or are we quick to judge? Are we willing to put aside our own convenience to reach out to someone in need?
Finally, St. Teresa had an unwavering trust in God’s providence. She once
said: “God doesn’t call us to be successful, but to be faithful.”
In our own journey of faith, it’s easy to become discouraged when we don’t see immediate results or recognition for our efforts. But St. Teresa reminds us that our calling is not to be successful by the world’s standards but to be faithful to the love and service we are called to give. When we do our part with love, God will take care of the rest.
As we continue our journey of faith, let us take time to reflect on the wisdom of St. Mother Teresa and allow her words to inspire us. Let us strive to do small things with great love, to serve others with compassion, and to trust in God’s plan for our lives. May we be open to seeing the face of Christ in every person we meet and respond to the call to love and serve in His name.
In Christ’s Peace,
Fr. James Northrop
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