March is Women’s History Month. I could not think of a better woman to honor than Mother Teresa! As stated on Biography.com, “Mother Teresa was the founder of the Order of the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic congregation of women dedicated to helping the poor. Considered one of the 20th Century’s greatest humanitarians, she was canonized as Saint Teresa of Calcutta in 2016.”
Mother Teresa is an important figure for Women’s History Month because she exemplifies not only the best qualities in a woman, but also demonstrates an unwavering dedication to her mission and purpose in life. She is a living example of selfless service and love. What is selfless service and love? It is when you are giving with no thought of self. In today’s society, most people don’t give unless they receive something in return. Selfless service and love is giving without expectation of receiving.
Mother Teresa’s Impact on Humanity
Mother Teresa is well-known for her work with the poor, sick, and dying through the Missionaries of Charity. There are many articles, books and other resources about her life and good works. There is even the Mother Teresa Center that has a main purpose “to promote and support authentic knowledge of, and devotion to, Mother Teresa by the study, development and dissemination of her work, spirituality and message.”
This Catholic nun is widely known for how she uplifted the dignity of the most marginalized. She cared for people that others would not even get close to. She knew the value of human life because it was. You can learn more about her work and her legacy at Missionaries of Charity.
Mother Teresa had a great influence on global humanitarian efforts. Setting the standards for caring and loving thy neighbor, she provided inspiration, motivation and became a role model for many. She said, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” She lived Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, a stranger and you welcomed me, naked and you clothed me, ill and you cared for me, in prison and you visited me.’”
Her Influence on Christianity and Faith
Mother Teresa’s work as well as her words embodied Christ’s teachings on compassion and humility. Her deep personal faith and commitment to serving God through others was demonstrated in her daily actions.
Some of her works were:
- Building homes for orphans, nursing homes for lepers, and hospices for the terminally ill.
- Caring for the poor through soup kitchens, dispensaries, and mobile clinics.
- Providing care for people with HIV/AIDS, leprosy, and tuberculosis when others wouldn’t.
- Offering family and children’s counseling.
- Helping refugees in a time of crisis including providing relief after natural disasters.
Mother Teresa lived and demonstrated the power of love in action in every act of service. She said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.” The following scripture from 1 John 3:18 speaks of who she was, “Children, let us love not in word or speech but in deed and truth.” (usccb.org)
Selfless Service Without Personal Gain
Mother Teresa took a vow of poverty and simple living. She proved how important it is not to gain possessions to lose your soul. Although she faced many challenges and criticisms, she continued her mission, knowing the value she provided to humanity in service to God. Mother Teresa was also a controversial figure. She was criticized for opposing abortion, divorce, and contraception. Some people also questioned the medical care and pain relief provided in her hospices. These things you can research and come to your own conclusion.
The lesson that Mother Teresa’s life provides is still needed today: serve for love, not recognition. She is quoted as saying, “Give, but give until it hurts.” Most people give today because of what they receive in return. Remember Luke 6:35, “But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.” (usccb.org)
Lessons We Can Learn from Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa teaches us many things. How to give selflessly and how to love unconditionally are the basis of her foundation for living. We can apply her principles in daily life. Every day presents opportunities to be kind and give generously. Serve others selflessly, whenever possible. This can be at work, with your family or in passing with a stranger. You can start small. Consider practical ways to live out kindness and compassion. Remember these much needed words from Mother Teresa, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” Continue on with the words of Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not grow tired of doing good, for in due time we shall reap our harvest, if we do not give up.” (usccb.org)
Carrying Her Legacy Forward
Mother Teresa made a lasting impact on the world. A few notable things in addition to her daily acts of service area:
- In 1950, she founded her own order of nuns, the Missionaries of Charity
- In 1979, she received the Nobel Peace Prize
- in 2003 she was beatified
- In 2016, she was named a saint by Pope Francis
- In 2017, she was named a co-patron of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Calcutta
Mother Teresa definitely taught us that love heals. She has said, “Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.” She is an inspiration not only to Catholics, but to people everywhere!
As a woman, Mother Teresa is one of the greatest role models that I could honor during Women’s History Month. Remember to be who God created you to be. Live a life of purpose, serving people and God.
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