In reflecting on the poetry of Mother Teresa that was shared with us this week, I was drawn into wondering about the essence of Christian service, as it contributes to the cost of discipleship. Mother Teresa’s words encapsulate the sacrificial nature of love, echoing the teachings of Jesus Christ himself. Am I ready for that kind of sacrifice? Are you?
At the heart of Christian discipleship lies the call to love unconditionally and to serve others selflessly. Mother Teresa vividly portrays this truth by highlighting the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave everything without counting the cost. She reminds us that genuine love requires action; it demands to be put into service.
As Lutherans, we are called to embrace this ethos of love in action. Just as Jesus showed compassion to individuals one at a time, we are encouraged to see the faces of those around us and respond with love and service. It is through these small acts of kindness and compassion that we draw closer to Jesus and fulfill our Christian calling.
Yet, Mother Teresa also acknowledges the daunting reality of the task before us. The enormity of suffering and need in the world can be overwhelming. However, she urges us not to be discouraged by the scale of the challenge. Instead, she reminds us that every act of love, no matter how small, makes a difference. Like drops in the ocean, our individual efforts may seem insignificant, but collectively they contribute to the vast ocean of God’s love.
Therefore, let’s heed Mother Teresa’s wisdom and embrace the cost of discipleship with courage and conviction. Let’s commit ourselves to loving and serving others with the same selflessness and devotion as our Lord Jesus Christ, trusting that through our humble efforts, God’s love will continue to transform lives and bring hope to the world.
May God’s peace find you today. -Pastor Peter
Let us pray… Gracious God, empower us to love and serve others selflessly, following the example of Jesus and heeding Mother Teresa’s call to action. Amen.