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Forthcoming Events
Bible Sunday Lenten Lunch at St Ambrose Barlow RC Church 24th March
City of Birmingham Brass Band 31st March 7.30pm
Easter Sunday April 8th
Dear Friends
As Many of you will be aware I was in Kolkata, India for two weeks during September as part of a team from Regent's park College. In many ways I am still thinking through the experiences of what I saw, heard and did, and the challenges and changes it has made to my faith and thinking- all of which, I would add, have been positive!
For now I would like to share my experiences of visiting the Mother House where Mother Teresa lived, worked and fulfilled her mission to the poor and needy in Kolkata. I didn't think I am exaggerating when I say that for all of us (seven grown up men) the visit was both emotional and inspiring. For me two things in particular caught my attention.
The first was the Bible verso on Mother Teresa's tomb stone-
'Love one another as I have loved you' (John 15:12). Love is the most important thing we can give anyone-its power is immeasurable- a simple smile, spending time with someone, a hug, providing clean water, or just saying hi- can make all the difference in a person's life. Love of God and love of neighbour are the two greatest commandments and this is exactly what Mother Teresa did in her life.
The second was one small sentence in the large exhibition about the life of Mother Teresa- 'I am nothing but a pencil in the hands of God' . Mother Teresa did many amazing things by human standards, receiving hundreds of awards from countries around the world including the Noble Peace prize, and yet she knew that she was an instrument who could achieve nothing without the power of God working through her to bring love, compassion and light to a needy world.
A life that challeges all of us to do the same!
Every blessing
Paul