Beloved Anna Marie,

Last week was the annual celebration of the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Reflection on her life of service to people living in extreme material poverty enduring deterioration of mind and body is an examination of conscience.

I begin this prayer time in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. "Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and kindle in us the fire of your love. Send forth Your Spirit to inspire us."

God's Word For Us Today

Brothers and sisters: Owe nothing to anyone, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, "You shall not commit adultery; you shall not kill; you shall not steal; you shall not covet," and whatever other commandment there may be, are summed up in this saying, namely, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." Love does no evil to the neighbor; hence, love is the fulfillment of the law.

Romans 13:8-10

Reflection: Oh that today you would hear his voice...harden not your hearts. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

Meditation: As I sit here praying and reflecting with Mother Teresa and the Scriptures this morning, I realize His voice weighs on my heart and mind constantly. It must have been the same with her. You can imagine the internal narrative to do something for the people who call or show up for help at the Community Connections sites. I am constantly questioning how we can do more.

Inspiration:  The examination of conscience and internal narrative to do more is inspired by the people who walk up to our Community Connections Center sites and also the people who call or email. Last week we assisted a woman with a five-year-old sleeping on the floor of a hotel room, a woman fearful of homelessness as she was being evicted, a gentle-spirited woman living on the streets who needed assistance to walk, and many more. Most often we cannot resolve their homelessness in the moment. So it is painfully humbling to experience the immense gratitude that is expressed from just offering a smile and calm, peaceful conversation about possible resources with the promise to walk with them as they struggle. I am carrying these people in my conscience and it fuels my desire to do more.

Action: Allow our consciences to inspire our love of neighbors.

Prayer: Lord, make me a channel of peace and love.

"I have you in my thoughts today and I want to let you know that I appreciate you!" (Text I received last week from a woman who is imminently homeless.)

A quote from Mother Teresa:



Because I talk so much of giving with a smile, once a professor from the United States asked me: “Are you married?” And I said: “Yes, and I find it sometimes very difficult to smile at my spouse, Jesus, because He can be very demanding — sometimes.” This is really something true. And this is where love comes in — when it is demanding, and yet we can give it with joy.

Source: Blessed Mother Teresa on Abortion (catholicnewsagency.com)