Blessed Mother Teresa of Kolkata became St. Teresa on September 4, 2016. Her canonization is unique in the relatively short duration between her death and the declaration by Pope Francis. It is fitting, because she was a unique servant of Christ. There is a quote attributed to her saying, “If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.” It is disputed whether she actually said those words. Whether or not she made the statement, I think the statement is true. It is a proverb by which we should live.
Two days after the canonization of St. Teresa, my son turned two. When I think about him and the upcoming birth of my daughter, I have an incredible urge to change the world. It is like a fire in my bones. I will fail in my quest unless I do one thing: love my family as God has loved us. The love of God teaches, inspires, and empowers us to love our children, spouses, parents, and all those who fall in our family circles.
Through our mentoring program at Sequoyah Middle School, I get a front row seat to children whose parents ignore them. I have seen children who are neglected and abused by the ones who should be protecting them from all that is evil. This is the world we bequeath to our children unless we choose differently.
God’s love is so big and complex that it exceeds the capacity of human description. However, a few ways to talk about God’s love include: tender (Hosea 11:4), disciplined (Hebrews 12:4-11), strong (Romans 8:37-39), transformative (2 Corinthians 3:18), protective (Psalm 32:7), and everlasting without exception (Jeremiah 31:3). These are just a few things we must offer our families if we ever hope to change the world.
Husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, daughters and sons, brothers and sisters, put away the distractions that tear your attention from loving your family. Put your phone down. Unplug the video game console. Turn the television off. Holster your self-desires. Tell your family, “I love you.” Commit yourself to loving them with tenderness and strength. Discipline your love to make the hard choices. Make your love to protect them and change their lives. Above all, love them with an everlasting love without exception.
Brothers and sisters, do this one thing. In the name of Christ our Lord do this one thing and together we will change the world.
Rev. Drew Haynes, Pastor of Campus Operations
