New Year’s Eve with Mother Theresa: Her Reflections

05520018On New Year’s Eve, 1990, Mother Teresa invited about 30 volunteers to spend time with her in the Mother House Chapel.  Below is my journal entry reflecting on her words.

January 1, 1991

Last night, I sat at the left foot of Mother Teresa and listened to her talk to about 30 of us volunteers.  She was like a grandma with all her loved ones at her feet listening to her stories and wisdom and wit.  I have never had a grandma, but last night, as I sat at her feet, I felt like a grandchild.

“If you don’t remember anything else, remember Jesus’ words, ‘Whenever you did it to the least of my little ones you did it unto me.’  Each night before you go to bed look at your hand on on your fingers see the words, ‘ You did It for me…You did it to me… You did it with me’  And ask yourself, ‘What did I do for Jesus today?  What did I do to Jesus today?  What did I do with Jesus today?’

“Love each other as God loves you. God loves you…God loves you.

“The more you love others, the more you’ll love God.  The more you love God, the more you’ll love others.

“Serve His little ones with dignity.  You’ll know it’s done with dignity, if it’s done with joy.”

She told us the story of an Indian couple who had a simple wedding ceremony and rather than receive gits, they received money.  Their love was so strong that they wanted to share it with the little ones.  They donated all the money to Mother Teresa.

Sitting at the feet of Mother Teresa, being close enough to see all the beautiful lines that crease her face and the mole under her chin, I was in awe of her gentleness, humility and strength.  Oh God, that I may grow in likeness to her.