She was crazy and different like Brother Francis & Sister Clare!

As Mother Teresa is being officially declared as a saint by the Catholic Church (on 4th September 2016 at St. Peter's Basilica, Rome) it is good that we get to know her a bit more.

A faith journey: She began her journey like any other sister of her first congregation at Loreto convent, being just satisfied by following strictly the rules and regulations to the letter. But inside her there was a disturbance inspired by the periphery of her city. From her rich convent window she was able to see the misery of the poor in her locality. That disturbance was coming again and again propelling her to reach out to the poor. Thus she began a new journey of searching for meaning, God experience, and true happiness while serving the sick and needy.
From the letter published by her spiritual father it is very touching to know that for more than 35 years (when she started the new life with the poor and the sick), she experienced inner-emptiness. There were many times when she was not able to feel the presence of God closer to her even while being seated in the Church. But when she came out to serve the poor and meet her beloved sisters she had hope giving words and faith responses. It is true that sensible believers undergo dark night of the soul and testing. Only difference is they don't stop there, they keep searching with all sincerity while with their lives they bring happiness to many persons closer to them.

A heart that understood the poor: Mother Teresa was said to be having a big heart for the poor and needy. This heart went beyond ordinary comprehension to understand the humanity and need of them. Whenever she used to return to Calcutta, from a particular visit or mission as she reached the railway station she used to hire Cycle Rickshaw (it is a sort of small tricycle which can be pulled by hands as well as one can ride it by pedaling) manned by poor people who are scarcely strong enough to pull it.

On that day they were two and the luggage they had were few so the other person who was with Mother seemed to have said that it is enough to hire only one vehicle. But Mother Teresa called two cycle Rickshaw men to take them to their convent. When asked about the reason for doing this her reply was: "If we hire two people then two families will have something to eat and be happy today. Let us be generous with the poor because God is so good to us."

Human Side: Critics of Mother Teresa point fingers at her telling that she was not condemning the social evil and the rich who manipulated. But in her one may see a noble woman who was trying to be truthful to the faith she professed and responded to the need of her time. It may be also true that she was upset by the manipulations of those in power and the rich. But may not have had time to concentrate on correcting them because she had many dying persons to attend to. And she was really a human being who had a smart habit to concentrate on what she could do and grew into holistic integration. I think it must have been a long journey of learning, unlearning and maturation.

She contributed her part to make this world a better place for millions and today the Missionaries of Charity continue that journey. So let us stand out to salute this Sister who was truly human, spiritual and alive. And much more we Capuchin Franciscans have to remember her goodness because she was different and crazy like Brother Francis of Assisi and Sister Clare!

These people refused to be pessimistic but did something to show love and create a cosmic home!
Are you crazy for a new meaning & have a thirst to make this world a better place? Then you many have some inspiration from this fragile Sister & Mother Teresa. And if you have other inspirational stories & reflections about her life why can't you share?