When I visited Kolkata, the name that came to mind was not just any name but that of a blessed Mother Teresa. Her life, lived in profound simplicity, was a powerful testament to her humility and dedication. She was not just ordinary but a living saint in the truest sense, a humble example for us all.
Mother Teresa's impact was felt globally, even reaching a young child in the Philippines like me. Her work, though seemingly ordinary, left an extraordinary mark on the world. Her legacy of love, compassion, and commitment to serving the needy is a testament to the power of human kindness, transcending borders and cultures.
Since I was in Kolkata, I've considered visiting her place: the main headquarters of the "Missionaries of Charity," the Congregation she founded. That was when I saw the outstanding achievements of a simple nun with extraordinary power, now Blessed Teresa.
What could have made her adorable and famous is her selfless love and compassion for the poorest of the poor, the sick, the abandoned, and the dying. In her early years in Kolkata, she was a teacher in a convent school until she felt a calling from the Divine to look after the needs of the poor people who were hungry, homeless, and dying in the streets due to widespread poverty and famine in the locality. Her journey was challenging, but she remained steadfast in her mission.
She lived the 'Corporal Works of Mercy,' a set of compassionate acts traditionally carried out by Christians, and it has stood the test of time. She fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, clothed the naked, visited the sick, visited the imprisoned, and buried the dead. All of these works were achieved by Mother Teresa when she was alive.
Her congregation, the 'Missionaries of Charity,' started with a mission to save the people who needed care on the streets. At first, she had nothing to give financially. However, due to her global recognition as a 'Living Saint' and the power of the media that highlighted her selfless work, they attracted donations from individuals and organizations worldwide and financial aid from different States and Government Agencies.
Perhaps it was the shortest pilgrimage I had to make to visit the Mother House, where Mother Teresa's tomb is. It is a simple tomb with a chapel inside for visitors to offer a prayer. It is a peaceful place, with people of different creeds coming in to witness the thousands of archives relevant to Mother Teresa's work in the room adjacent to her tomb.
Visitors will also realize how a Spiritually powerful Nun used to live in simplicity in a small room with a tiny single bed. It made me realize that our living status does not matter what we can achieve. Hence, there is no room for self-doubt about what we can accomplish.
Nowadays, people become victims of their lower emotions. Some play the victim in life and degrade people by blaming them for their miseries and misfortune.
Many people feel a deep sense of emptiness despite their capabilities and fortune. They feel unloved and abandoned as if they are victims of a global epidemic of spiritual poverty. Mother Teresa's dedication to love and compassion is a powerful antidote to this epidemic, showing that true fulfillment comes from giving and serving others.
Like all the successful and accomplished people in history, Mother Teresa has a share of unjust criticism from her critics globally. She had been condemned and ridiculed for her ways of leadership with the founded congregation. However, Mother Teresa stood up for what she believed was right. Like in life, people see the opposing sides and have themselves put into an exemption. In the end, no matter what people say and do, the mirror still reflects back, and the ones who do better are ahead of the game of life like Mother Teresa did.
Blessed Teresa showed her motherly care and taught humanity how to live modestly and simply and remain strong when life seems unjust.
© 2013 Del Cusay