“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
“One day I was walking down the street in London, and I saw a tall, thin man sitting on the corner, all huddled up, looking most miserable. I went up to him, shook his hand, and asked how he was. He looked up at me and said, “Oh! After such a long, long time I feel the warmth of a human hand!” And he sat up.
There was such a beautiful smile on his face because somebody was kind to him. Just shaking his hand had made him feel like somebody. For me, he was Jesus in a distressing disguise. I gave him the feeling of being loved by somebody, the joy of being loved. Somebody loves us too — God Himself. We have been created to love and be loved.”
Mother Teresa (1910-1997) in In the Heart of the World, ed. by Becky Benenate (New York: Fine Communications, 1997) 67-68.
As Advent begins, let’s resolved to show love in warm ways.
Around us, many represent “Jesus in a distressing disguise” and a helping hand often coupled with kind words or a prayer might make all the difference in their day.
Notice this scene happened in London, one of the most prominent cities in the world.
That tells us that even in seemingly wealthy or prosperous places, people may feel empty, lonely, hurting. Showing love is the gateway, as Teresa teaches us for helping them discover the love of God.
As disciples of Jesus, let’s be known for generous love this Advent.