I was a young boy when Mother Teresa caught my attention. She caught the globe’s attention as she died on September 5, 1997, days after the horrific death of Princess Diana (August 31, 1997). Today is Mother’s feast day.

In my adult life, I have thought much about her work and ministry. She went to the peripheries of life and loved the most unlovable. She loved humanity, no matter the creed. For in them she found her Lord.

A quote that I have thought of often from Mother Teresa:

The fruits of life weave through actions and our spiritual practices. The starting point is silence. To bear fruit in this life, we must carve silence in our lives. Silence allows us to listen to God with intentionality. If we want the fruits of faith, love, service, or peace, it all begins with silence. Not the absence of noise, but a stillness that allows us to be in God’s holy and loving presence.

It is said that for many years of her life, she felt the silence of God. It was her dark night. Yet, she never wavered and continued to serve her Master as she was purified in the light of Divine Love.

Saint Mother Teresa, help us to recognize Jesus in the distressing disguise of the poor. Help us love Jesus in ever person we meet. Amen.