Mother Teresa continues to inspire us
Last week, many countries commemorated International Women’s Day; this is a time to reflect on the lives of women who have profoundly impacted society.
I was reminded that in my youth, I would visit hundreds of schools as part of a theatre company; we performed our show, and then the cast would visit classrooms to discuss the issues raised.
One of our standard questions was, who is the most famous Christian? In the 90s, the answer was always Mother Teresa – a woman who stands out as a beacon of selfless service and compassion. Her life’s work transcends boundaries.
Mother Teresa certainly embodies the spirit of last week’s celebrations of IWD.
Born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in 1910, in North Macedonia, Mother Teresa felt a calling to serve from a young age. At 18, she joined the Sisters of Loreto in Ireland, unaware that her journey would eventually take her to India. There, she would become a symbol of unconditional love and tireless charity, embodying the true character of Christian service.
In a world where the concept of celebrity seems at odds with Christian humility, Mother Teresa stood out.
If Christianity had an A-list of celebrities, she would undoubtedly be at the top, despite the paradoxical nature of having ‘celebrity’ Christian ministers in a faith that values humility and service above all else.
Mother Teresa’s unwavering faith and determination saw her mission grow from a small order into a global symbol of hope and kindness.
Mother Teresa’s approach to humanitarian work was revolutionary. She walked the slums, offering care and compassion to those society had forgotten, mirroring how Jesus walked amongst the poorest and most broken people 2000 years ago.
Her mission expanded globally, with over 4,500 sisters actively serving in 133 countries, providing comfort to the sick, the poor, and the dying while addressing orphanage issues, AIDS hospice, and disaster relief. Mother Teresa’s work was a testament to her belief in the power of love and kindness to change the world. In 1979, her efforts were recognized with the Nobel Peace Prize, which she accepted “in the name of the hungry, the naked, the homeless, the crippled, the blind, the lepers, all those people who feel unwanted, unloved, uncared for throughout society.”
Mother Teresa’s life serves as a powerful example of how unwavering commitment to serving others can create a lasting impact on the world.
Mother Teresa’s story is characteristic of the principles celebrated last week. Her life reflects the strength, resilience, and compassion that women contribute to society.
As a woman who navigated and overcame the challenges of her time to make a global impact, she embodies courage and determination.
Her legacy, I believe, should encourage all women everywhere to pursue their calling, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Mother Teresa once said, “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
Let’s keep making ripples
Phil Collins is the lead pastor at Willow Park Church.