One day I picked up a man from the gutter. His body was
covered with worms. I brought him to our house, and what
did this man say? He did not curse. He did not blame
anyone. He just said, "I've lived like an animal in the
street, but I'm going to die like an angel, loved and
cared for!"
Very often we pick up sick and dying destitutes from the
streets of Calcutta. A few nights ago we picked up four
people. One was in a most terrible condition, covered
with wounds, her body full of maggots. I told the
sisters that I would take care of her while they
attended to the other three. I really did all that my
love could do for her. I put her in bed and then she
took hold of my hand. She had such a beautiful smile on
her face and she said only: "Thank you." Then she died.
There was a greatness of love. She was hungry for love,
and she received that love before she died. She spoke
only two words, but her understanding love was expressed
in those two words. I have never seen a smile like that.
Mother Teresa "A Life for God"... in twenty five years
we have picked up more than thirty-six thousand people
from the streets and more than eighteen thousand have
died a most beautiful death."
He has kindled his love in our hearts, so that we may
love those we meet with his love.
I have experienced many human weaknesses, many human
frailties, and I still experience them. But we need to
use them. We need to work for Christ Jesus with a humble
heart, with the humility of Christ. He comes and uses us
to be his love and compassion in the world in spite of
our weaknesses and frailties.
