For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you, ‘You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.’ Deuteronomy 15:11
“Mother Teresa sums up her family life during her childhood and adolescence: “We were all very united, especially after the death of my father. We lived for each other and we made every effort to make one another happy. We were a very united and a very happy family.”
Lazar, the only son, commented about the religious life of his mother and sisters: “We lived next to the parish church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Sometimes my mother and sisters seemed to live as much in the church as they did at home. They were always involved with the choir, the religious services, and missionary topics.”
Lazar also commented about his mother’s generosity: “She never allowed any of the poor people who came to our door to leave empty-handed. When we would look at her strangely, she would say, ‘Keep in mind that even those who are not our blood relatives, even if they are poor, are still our brethren.'”
Lazar Bojaxhiu, the only brother of Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, a.k.a. “Mother Teresa” in No Greater Love, Commemorative Edition by Mother Teresa (Novato: New World Library, 2016) 199-200.
Mother Teresa always inspires me. On this “Memorial Day” in the USA, her brother testifies to the powerful example of their mother, Dranafile Bojaxhiu, who though she was a poor widow, was always ready to share with those in need. Her example marked Lazar and his two sisters. They would never forget it.
Parents, if we want to inspire our children to be generous, we must not wait until we have wealth or surplus. Today’s reading serves as a powerful reminder that our children are watching and they remember the sacrifices they see us making. They also recall vividly the words which accompany our good works.
Who knows? Our children may go on to inspire the world like Mother Teresa did. This illustration should remind us that our children are watching and listening. Let us resolve to always treat people in need as brethren, and teach our children through our words and deeds to care for them.