Just a Little Pencil

Today is the Feast Day of Saint Teresa of Calcutta. 

Before she died, this amazing woman had founded 610 foundations in 123 countries. In 1979, she received the Nobel Peace Prize. We can list all her accomplishments and awards, but what stands out is her humility and her desire to do God’s work. 

Mother Teresa said she was just a little pencil in the hands of God. “He does the thinking. He does the writing. He does everything and sometimes it is really hard because it is a broken pencil and He has to sharpen it a little more.” She also said she was a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, and He was sending a love letter to the world. God was able to use this little pencil to bring love to so many sick, desperate people not only in India, but to so many countries around the world. I cannot imagine how this funny looking little nun was able to found 760 homes, including orphanages, centers for the dying, for refugees, for the aged, the dying, the blind, alcoholics, street children, and even a home for lepers. 

Mother Teresa told the story when a chairman of a multinational company came to see her, to offer her a property in Bombay. His first question was: ‘Mother, how do you manage your budget?” She asked him who had sent him to her. He replied: ‘I felt an urge inside me.’ She said: “Other people like you come to see me and say the same. It was clear God sent you, Mr. A, as He sends Mr. X, Mrs. Y, Miss Z, and they provide the material means we need for our work. The grace of God is what moved you. You are my budget. God sees to our needs, as Jesus promised. I accepted the property he gave and named it Asha Dan (Gift of Hope).”

She was able to do so much because she relied on God’s provision, and trusted in His mercy for His people. In the Cairo International Conference in 1994, Mother Teresa said: “If there is a child that you don’t want or can’t feed or educate, give that child to me. I will not refuse any child. I will give a home, or find loving parents for him or for her.” We need more people willing to go out on a limb for others! 

She died on September 5, 1997, and was canonized on September 4, 2016.