Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21
“This story takes place in a setting of abject poverty. Mother Teresa is caring for the dying in Calcutta, and there is a man who resents her care, rejects her attendant ablutions, spits in her face when she tries to administer medicine and comfort. This contentious relationship carries on for days, as the man, with no family or friends, lies dying. And still Mother Teresa comes to him, washes him, feeds him, extends her compassion. He argues with her, tells her he does not believe in God, he does not believe in human kindness. He wants to be left alone to die alone. He is angry, bitter, demoralized, radically ungrateful. And still she comes to him that he might have dignity in his final days. She cleans his own filth, dresses him in fresh clothes, spoons broth into his mouth. Weakly he tries to swat her hands away, admonishes her for her care. Until, frightened, knowing these are the final hours of his life, he leans into her arms as she holds him, looks up at her, and begs of her, “Please. Is your God like you?”
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) recounted by Kerry Alys Robinson in Imagining Abundance: Fundraising, Philanthropy, and a Spiritual Call for Service (Collegeville: Liturgical Press, 2014) 39.
Shortly, I head to the airport with my daughter, Sophie. She will return to San Diego to complete her junior year at San Diego Christian College. She’s such a beautiful conduit of the love of God. Undoubtedly, she will be a “Mother Teresa” for her generation, as will our son, Sammy, who’s already completed his undergraduate studies and serving full-time, and who has named his puppy, Hope St. Teresa, after this tenacious, loving servant.
I fly to Chicago for meetings with ministry colleagues and to teach Faith and Finances at Northern Seminary. Stories like this one go a long way in my teaching. They illustrate the deeper spiritual realities in play with regard to generosity. Over time, only the love of God can soften the most angry heart, sweeten the most bitter soul, and transform the radically ungrateful. By sharing this story with others, it inspires them to do the good that overcomes the evil in this world!