Teresa’s four children all had measles at the same time. For several days they lay in a darkened room as Teresa brought their meals and brought them comfort. A visitor remarked on the misfortune of the four children having such an illness at the same time. “On the contrary,” Teresa replied, “they can support one another and keep one another company. Besides, it’s much easier for me to get the measles over in one fell swoop.” Years later the four children, now confident and happy adults, were reminiscing about their mother’s ways. “She was always so positive,” one of the children said, “even when things were really bleak she would always find something to be lighthearted about!”
It is often said that the experience of living and growing in a family helps to shape our adult personality. The adult personality of Jesus, himself, tells us a great deal about the sort of family life he experienced, a family life where he “increased in wisdom, in stature and in favor with God and others.” The adult personality of Jesus was shaped by his experiences as a child and as a young man in Nazareth. Here, he was cared for and nurtured by his family in such a way that it would one day benefit the whole of humanity!
In an age when our families are bombarded with so much about how they should behave, living the Gospel as a family unit is vitally important! It is within the family that children first hear about and experience Gospel values. Within the family we learn how to love as Christians; we learn patience, kindness and understanding. We also learn how to make mistakes and recover from them. Each family should allow it’s members room to grow, room to make mistakes and space to begin all over again. Members of a family where God’s love is present and expressed through compassion, honesty and generosity will be able to reach out to those who have had a poor experience of family life.
If children and young adults grow and develop in a caring, positive atmosphere inspired by the Gospel, they will become confident and well-balanced adult Christians. They will become people who are willing and able to live and proclaim the Gospel which they themselves have experienced! Mother Teresa of Calcutta was a living legend of love for the poor and oppressed and the homeless and people dying in the streets. Not only was she directly involved with people in need, but she also managed to find time to travel all over the world to find support for this ministry. On one such trip she gave a talk at the National Presbyterian Church. Author Coleen Evans said she was so deeply moved by Mother Teresa’s talk that she would have done anything for her. “What can we do to help you?” Coleen Evans asked. Mother Teresa turned to her quietly and said, “Love your Family.” Coming from this great Christian woman who was totally involved in a ministry to the poor all over the world, this was an amazing response! It is evident that Mother Teresa knew her Gospel! Mother Teresa knew that “anyone who aspires to greatness must serve the needs of all.” Mother Teresa knew also that it all begins in our family and in our other close relationships!