09/05/2026
Mother Teresa taught me how to see Jesus in the poor.
There is a home in Calcutta for young boys who are physically and mentally disabled. It is one of my favorite places in the world - because Jesus lives there. Mother Teresa taught her Sisters that in the poor we see “Jesus in his most distressing disguise.” I had a profound experience of that in Calcutta a few years ago, feeding a little boy with hydrocephalus. The buildup of fluid in his brain caused his head to swell far beyond its normal size and left him unable to do much for himself. Sitting on the edge of his crib, spooning porridge into his mouth, I realized that it was Jesus I was feeding.
It was not a moment of theological insight; it was an encounter of the heart. It was an encounter of Jesus’s heart in me with Jesus’s heart in him. I was deeply moved.
I experienced the real presence of Jesus in this little boy, just as if I were sitting in front of the Eucharist exposed in a monstrance. And my heart swelled with love for this boy whom I hardly knew; I loved him as I love Jesus. This is one of the most profound memories I have from my times in India, and I have Mother’s words and intercession to thank for that.
I have tried to carry this reality with me, knowing that I should be able to see Jesus in every person I meet. But sadly, I often don’t. Like many, I get caught in the busyness of life and fail to see in the Brothers, family, and friends the very presence of Jesus. I ask Mother Teresa’s help in this. She has become a good friend and model for how to love the Lord and his people.
I pray that on this feast day of St. Teresa of Calcutta, you and I can learn to see Jesus more, no matter how distressing his disguise.
-Br. Martin
