"When I was crossing into Gaza, I was asked at the checkpost whether I was carrying any weapons. I replied: Oh yes, my prayer books," is an example of Mother Teresa's unique Christian perspective in a world where wealth, power, vengeance, and violence are very much in evidence. This stirring collection of 365 meditations, prayers, and reflections demonstrate her practice of love in action. While others talk the talk, Mother Teresa walked the talk on a daily basis in service of the poor, the sick, the suffering, the lonely, the neglected, and the forgotten. Even with all her accomplishments, this contemporary saint saw herself merely as "a pencil in God's hands."
What fueled her great energy? Mother Teresa was nourished by silence, which she called "God's friend." She believed that "humility is the mother of all virtues" and that our assignment is to "be the living expression of God's kindness." In these brief selections from her writings and speeches, Mother Teresa, again and again, points out that love, peace, and service must begin in the home. Although she constantly saw Jesus in the poor, this Christian activist also realized that the rich can suffer as well through loneliness and feeling unloved. Perhaps her best piece of advice is this: "Do you want to do something beautiful for God? There is a person who needs you. This is your chance."