Mother Teresa Gets Saliva from Shop Keeper There is an interesting story related to Mother Teresa. She was once living in a small house in Kolkata along with some orphans. One day it so happened that there was nothing for the children to eat. Mother Teresa did not know what to do. Mother Teresa called all the children and said, “Come children today we have nothing to eat in the house. But if we pray to God he will surely give.” After ten minutes of prayer, Mother Teresa said to the children “Come, now let us go and beg." So, they all went to beg. In the neighbourhood of Mother Teresa, there was one shop keeper who hated Mother Teresa. Mother went to him and said “Please, give something to eat.” The person looked at Mother Teresa with anger and spit saliva on Mother Teresa's hand. Mother gently wiped the saliva to her sari and said, “Thank you for what you have given for me. Will you give something for my children?” The shop keeper was shocked at the humility of Mother Teresa asked pardon from Mother Teresa. Then on he began to help regularly to the orphan children!
I had different types of experiences while serving the mission of 3L (least, last, lost) students and their needy families since 1974. A few wanted to know why people of other faiths are helped. Some were of the opinion that only Catholics must be helped. Others wanted to help only those who are natives of Goa! A few said that people are poor because they are lazy!!! One or two had philosophical reasons to justify why they are not ready to help. The vast majority are really open-minded persons with generous heart. To all these, my responses were 1) Jesus served all. He told his disciples, “Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to the whole creation.” (gospel of Mark 16:15). 2) Christianity is a religion of inclusivism and not limited to God and oneself. It is a triangle of God, others and oneself. For Christians love of God and love of others are the two sides of the same coin. 3) The trade mark of Christianity is LOVE with its many dimensions including charity. 4) I carry on the mission of my master Jesus, to the best of my ability following his teaching. My experience shows that though the most of the recipients are born Hindus, help comes from only three members of the Hindu community, the rest are all from the Catholic community. Interestingly these three Hindus are enlightened persons and different from people of their own faith!!! Catholics are the generous contributors, especially women. The poorer are the most generous souls. They contribute from their basic needs. The majority who come forward to help the mission of 3L are middle class or retired Catholics. Though Catholics are generous throughout the year, they do extra charity during the season of Christmas and Lent. May Risen Christ bless all the partners of 3L mission and may increase their tribe. Pratap Naik, sj 30.03.2021
