This
past year two things occurred which prompted me to want to read A Call to
Mercy, Hearts to Love, Hands to Serve – Mother Teresa . The
first was Pope Francis inaugurating the Jubilee Year of Mercy. The second was the
canonization of Saint Theresa of Calcutta. While she didn’t say the word Mercy
often, she surely lived a life of Mercy toward the world around her.
Some time
ago, I had read a biography of her life and was familiar with this woman of
faith. She touched me in ways that found me reading eagerly news stories and articles
about her and her work. In this tome, in a compilation of her words and wisdom,
editor Brian Kolodiejchuk, lets Mother Theresa explain to the reader the Corporal and Spiritual Works of Mercy. In the process we learn much about this new saint. There is one chapter for each of the works. In her
words:
For the hungry – “Before
Jesus taught the people, He had pity on them, and he fed them…”
For the naked – “…I
was naked and you clothed me…Whatever you do to the least, you have done it to
Me. And this is what Jesus again and
again told us; to love one another as He has loved us.” Losing dignity can also
leave us naked and this too must be addressed.
To Counsel the
Doubtful – Give what you have…Give Jesus a free hand to do with you as He wants…”
Throughout the book,
testimonies of those close to her bring out her examples of prayerful and faith-filled actions. There is much to learn, absorb and
contemplate in this book. Each chapter ends with a reflection and prayer. I wish I had found this book at the beginning
of the Year of Mercy, however, I understand it came my way now to educate me more
about this 21 Century saint and how I can strive to do the works of Mercy.
I received this book
(published by Penguin/Random House) from
Blogging for Books for this review. I am so glad I did.
A Call to Mercy is a keeper - a book I will read over and over - sure to encourage spiritual growth.
