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“NOT ALL OF US CAN DO GREAT THINGS. BUT WE CAN DO SMALL THINGS WITH GREAT LOVE.” — MOTHER TERESA
Parents,
This past week the church recognized and celebrated the feast of St. Teresa of Calcutta. Affectionately known as “Mother Teresa” during her lifetime, she was recognized as one of the most inspirational women of the 20th century. She was awarded countless accolades throughout her life, including the Nobel Peace Prize, for her work with the poor and suffering throughout the world, but specifically Calcutta, India.
Mother Teresa came and spoke in Long Beach when I was a young boy. I don’t remember much, but I do know that she shared the stage briefly with my parents. At the time I did not know I was standing among a future Saint, nor did I grasp the magnitude of her work with the poor. I learned that much later as I began to take my faith and my ministry more seriously. I quote her all the time because she is an inspiration and model of kindness.
History will judge all of us at some point, but you cannot dispute the level of charity Mother Teresa showered on the most poor and vulnerable. She founded a religious order, opened clinics across the world, and was the face of kindness and generosity for decades. She ministered to those who the world turned away from and forgot.
Mother Teresa died peacefully on September 5, 1997. Ironically, just a week after the death of Princess Diana. I remember the week well, as I had just begun my teaching career and was only in a classroom a few days when we had to navigate the death of the Princess. Mother Teresa’s death came quietly and almost unnoticed. The world was so wrapped up in the tragedy of Princess Diana, that Mother Teresa’s death was almost an afterthought. Her death was upstaged by perhaps the only woman on earth capable of being a bigger headline. I often wonder if the timing of that was part of the plan. She lived a life for others, and dedicated her life to one of poverty and humility, and her death came and went quietly.
She was canonized a Saint in 2016 and her Missionaries of Charity are still going strong throughout the world. She remains an inspiration to me and others. Some great St. Teresa quotes to think about this week:
“I used to believe that prayer changes things, but now I know that prayer changes us, and we change things.”
“I can do things you cannot, you can do things I cannot; together we can do great things.”
“I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world.”
Have a blessed week,
Chris McGuiness
Drop-off and pick-up reminder
Good Shepherd Church is a wonderful neighbor for us. Please be respectful of their property and their need to operate their church by not parking in their lot in the morning or afternoon. It is becoming a safety issue with cars coming in and out while also allowing the car line to move smoothly. Plus, that is their property and they need their parking lot for their own parishioners throughout the day. When exiting at the end of the day on Orangewood, please leave room at the light for 2 lanes. The right side turns right, the left is for those turning left or going straight. There is room for 2 lanes and it will help empty the parking lot faster if drivers avoid stopping in the middle of the lanes.
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