"All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do." - Galatians 2:10
In his book “Disruptive Compassion: Becoming the Revolutionary You Were Born to Be”, Hal Donaldson writes that he had flown to India to write about missionaries Mark and Huldah Buntain. While in India, he was able to interview Mother Theresa:
“Where are you from and what do you do?” she asked. “I’m a writer from the United States. I came to Kolkata to write a book on Mark and Huldah Buntain.” Her face seemed to light up. “They have helped many in our city.” “Yes, they have big hearts. May I ask you a few questions?” She nodded. “If it will help them and their work.”
For the next twenty minutes, I scribbled her quotes in my reporter’s notebook, trying not to miss one detail. As I wrote I thought, I feel like I’m talking to my grandmother—without the milk and cookies—rather than a recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize.
Repeatedly she deflected my praises. “It’s all because of God,” she said. As our time came to a close, she leaned forward. “Young man, can I ask what you do to help the poor?” Her question wasn’t accusative, demanding, or condescending. It was just a question. But to me, it felt laced with expectation. If I lied to Mother Teresa, I was surely putting my life in jeopardy. So I told the truth. I glanced away and said, “I’m really not doing anything.” She could have condemned me, chastised me, or struck me with a lightsaber and I wouldn’t have blamed her. Instead, she smiled and said, “Everyone can do something.”
We need to continually remember the poor and help provide for their basic needs. Today in prayer, ask Jesus how you can tangibly serve others this week.
"When we serve the poor and the sick, we serve Jesus. We must not fail to help our neighbors, because in them we serve Jesus." – Isabel Flores de Oliva
God's Word: "After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor and to present offerings." - Acts 24:17
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