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Simple Path, A
In A Simple Path, Saint Teresa, senior members of the Missionaries of Charity and volunteers at their homes around the world offer their advice and long experience of how we can practise a fuller love for each other, help those less fortunate than ourselves and find peace in doing so. They discuss such fundamental issues as happiness, fear, compassion, the family and death - all themes of direct relevance to those seeking the deeper meaning of life today.
This inspiring work is a unique spiritual guide, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike: full of wisdom and hope, from the one person who gave the greatest example of love in action in our time.
This inspiring work is a unique spiritual guide, for Catholics and non-Catholics alike: full of wisdom and hope, from the one person who gave the greatest example of love in action in our time.
192 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1995
179 people are currently reading
2465 people want to read
About the author
Mother Teresa
220 books2,255 followersMother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu[6] (born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu, Albanian: [aˈɲɛzə ˈɡɔndʒɛ bɔjaˈdʒiu]; 26 August 1910 – 5 September 1997), honoured in the Catholic Church as Saint Teresa of Calcutta,[7] was an Albanian-Indian[4] Roman Catholic nun and missionary.[8] She was born in Skopje (now the capital of North Macedonia), then part of the Kosovo Vilayet of the Ottoman Empire. After living in Skopje for eighteen years, she moved to Ireland and then to India, where she lived for most of her life.
In 1950, Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation that had over 4,500 nuns and was active in 133 countries in 2012. The congregation manages homes for people who are dying of HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis. It also runs soup kitchens, dispensaries, mobile clinics, children's and family counselling programmes, as well as orphanages and schools. Members take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, and also profess a fourth vow – to give "wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor."[9]
Following her death she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and canonized by Pope Francis.
In 1950, Teresa founded the Missionaries of Charity, a Roman Catholic religious congregation that had over 4,500 nuns and was active in 133 countries in 2012. The congregation manages homes for people who are dying of HIV/AIDS, leprosy and tuberculosis. It also runs soup kitchens, dispensaries, mobile clinics, children's and family counselling programmes, as well as orphanages and schools. Members take vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience, and also profess a fourth vow – to give "wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor."[9]
Following her death she was beatified by Pope John Paul II and canonized by Pope Francis.
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March 9, 2014
Mother Teresa's prescription for salvation is very simple: give up all your riches, pray hard and have genuine love for everyone. Everything will follow. We all know that this is hard to do. As Jesus says, it is easier for the camel to enter the head of the needle than for rich people to enter the kingdom of God. Other evangelists say differently though: there is nothing wrong with being rich. God wants us to have an abundant life. We just have to share though.
So, which one is the correct one? I wonder. This can get confusing, right? You want to have a happy life but happiness depends on your definition of it. Sometimes, I feel that it is just better to take each day as it comes and see what happens. Try to be good to everyone and share but not forgetting about one's (including the family's) future and that's it. We are all just passing through anyway and so we just let the God judge us when we come face-to-face with Him.
This is my first book read about Mother Teresa (1920-1997). She was born Albania and died as an Indian citizen. However, in one of the interviews, she said that she was a citizen of the world because her Missionaries of Charity was helping people around the Globe. The people in the charity all abandoned their riches and lived the life of poverty. Their reason was they could not be better off than the people they vowed to serve. Mother Teresa was beatified in 2003 and is just waiting for another miracle attributed to her so she can be canonized. Maybe I should start praying to her and be the cause for her sainthood. Hmmm.
I like this easy-to-read book. While reading, it is like you are already praying. However, I am a bit disappointed because the words of Mother Teresa are just maybe 20% of the book. The rest are words by the nuns and priest working in the Missionaries of Charity. There is nothing wrong with those words, in fact they are beautiful. It's just that it was a bit of a letdown because I thought I would know more about Mother Teresa to augment those I've heard about her. Here in this book, for example, is where I read what I heard before that when she talked to a certain person, she would make everything to make that person feel that he/she is the most important person in the world regardless if that person is a president of a country or a beggar. That's something that I should practice doing. Nothing's impossible if we put our heart on it, right?
I recommend this book for a Lenten read. Just to make sure that I would not forget this, Mother Teresa had a business card where her simple path was printed:
Methinks who wouldn't want to have peace?
So, which one is the correct one? I wonder. This can get confusing, right? You want to have a happy life but happiness depends on your definition of it. Sometimes, I feel that it is just better to take each day as it comes and see what happens. Try to be good to everyone and share but not forgetting about one's (including the family's) future and that's it. We are all just passing through anyway and so we just let the God judge us when we come face-to-face with Him.
This is my first book read about Mother Teresa (1920-1997). She was born Albania and died as an Indian citizen. However, in one of the interviews, she said that she was a citizen of the world because her Missionaries of Charity was helping people around the Globe. The people in the charity all abandoned their riches and lived the life of poverty. Their reason was they could not be better off than the people they vowed to serve. Mother Teresa was beatified in 2003 and is just waiting for another miracle attributed to her so she can be canonized. Maybe I should start praying to her and be the cause for her sainthood. Hmmm.
I like this easy-to-read book. While reading, it is like you are already praying. However, I am a bit disappointed because the words of Mother Teresa are just maybe 20% of the book. The rest are words by the nuns and priest working in the Missionaries of Charity. There is nothing wrong with those words, in fact they are beautiful. It's just that it was a bit of a letdown because I thought I would know more about Mother Teresa to augment those I've heard about her. Here in this book, for example, is where I read what I heard before that when she talked to a certain person, she would make everything to make that person feel that he/she is the most important person in the world regardless if that person is a president of a country or a beggar. That's something that I should practice doing. Nothing's impossible if we put our heart on it, right?
I recommend this book for a Lenten read. Just to make sure that I would not forget this, Mother Teresa had a business card where her simple path was printed:
THE SIMPLE PATH
The fruit of silence is
PRAYER.
The fruit of prayer is
FAITH.
The fruit of faith is
LOVE.
The fruit of love is
SERVICE.
The fruit of service is
PEACE.
Methinks who wouldn't want to have peace?
February 12, 2010
My interest in Mother Teresa and her work was piqued when one of my yoga instructors read Mother Teresa's "Anyway" aloud during shavasana. I was amazed at the beauty and simplicity of those inspiring words and felt the need to learn more about this phenomenal woman, who was determined to make the world a better place. I picked A SIMPLE PATH instead of one of Mother Teresa's other books because it has "Anyway" in the back, and because I thought something about abstract concepts, in this case loving and giving, might be most in tune with my sentiments.
This book is a great read for believers and non-believers alike. As an agnostic theist myself, I was pleasantly surprised to find that neither Mother Teresa, nor the sisters quoted in the book, ask the reader to subscribe to Christianity. They do not even ask you to pray, although they do suggest that one should examine his or her conscience at the end of the day. Rather, the book offers the reader a way to silence the noise of everyday life, a way to embrace spirituality without having to follow the tenets of one religion or another. Mother Teresa speaks of the spiritual poverty of the modern world, the need to slow things down and consider our actions every once in a while; a message that can be applied to all.
The stories about the Missionaries of Charity, and their great work in India, are highly moving. One cannot help but read this book and feel the need to do more for others, to give back in some way, to be more than we already are.
This book is a great read for believers and non-believers alike. As an agnostic theist myself, I was pleasantly surprised to find that neither Mother Teresa, nor the sisters quoted in the book, ask the reader to subscribe to Christianity. They do not even ask you to pray, although they do suggest that one should examine his or her conscience at the end of the day. Rather, the book offers the reader a way to silence the noise of everyday life, a way to embrace spirituality without having to follow the tenets of one religion or another. Mother Teresa speaks of the spiritual poverty of the modern world, the need to slow things down and consider our actions every once in a while; a message that can be applied to all.
The stories about the Missionaries of Charity, and their great work in India, are highly moving. One cannot help but read this book and feel the need to do more for others, to give back in some way, to be more than we already are.
October 7, 2017
An interesting insight into the amazing work that the Missionaries of Charity, the order established by Mother Teresa in India in 1950, do. Not only in India but around the world. The order is based on Mother Teresa's Simple Path comprising of six elements. Silence, prayer, faith, love, service and peace. We are all capable in some way of helping those less fortunate than us and it is this that the order encourages and works towards. They help the poor, the sick, the homeless, the children, anyone in need of something without asking any questions or expecting anything in return. In a world like ours where most of us have more than we need and complain about the most trivial things the work these people do, made up of sisters, brothers and volunteers from all over the world, helps put things in perspective.
July 30, 2021
As a fan of Saint Mother Teresa, I love reading her words of wisdom. This book was well laid out and helped me connect once again with the wisdom of this revered woman.
October 23, 2011
This book is a treasure, that's about all I can say about it. Mother Theresa has always been an enigma to me, but now after reading this book I feel like I know her as well as I knew my own grandmother and she is a true role model for me. Her words are so wise and so humble. I hope to live my life after her example!
January 9, 2009
For the past 8 years or so, I have volunteered at a Jesuit run, Roman Catholic elementary school located in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Next to the school lies a "Contemplative" house run by the Missionaries of Charity. I have watched Mother Teresa's followers, the nuns, walk about the neighborhood and heard them praying many times during mass early on a summer morning. For some reason, I have lately been wondering what they "really" do. A friend recommended this book. It explains the whole thing, why they do what they do and what they do. Mother Teresa offers the book as spiritual guidance for all faiths. In fact, much of the work she does is with those of other faiths including Hindus and Muslims. So, some of the mystery has been resolved, but now what I really want to do is walk in there, into that modest red brick building with the large statue of the Virgin Mother next door and talk to them.
December 10, 2018
wanting to know more about mother Teresa's life, I picked up this book with idea it was written by her or at least compiled her words ONLY hers.
I didn't expect to hear the accounts of the many people who worked with her which at times was good at other times wasn't.
what I'm trying to say is that it took from the magic and awe I had when I initially started it. There are poignant sections you can find in here though.
I will try to read No Greater Love if I can before the Year ends.
I didn't expect to hear the accounts of the many people who worked with her which at times was good at other times wasn't.
what I'm trying to say is that it took from the magic and awe I had when I initially started it. There are poignant sections you can find in here though.
I will try to read No Greater Love if I can before the Year ends.
April 15, 2011
A simply lovely book. Anyone of any faith should take the time and read this wonderful description of the Simple Path Mother Teresa and her Missonaries of Charity have taken. I will certainly look at things differently and make some life changes.
April 24, 2012
Mother Teresa's name is listed as author, but there a lot of other bits contributed by other faithful nuns and priests, and I find that I prefer Mother Teresa's simplicity to the illustrations and enhancements of the others.
Read
March 8, 2014Inspiration. Inspiration to truly be humane and graced by God...to actually live our spirituality by our good will and actions toward all of God's creations.
October 15, 2021
"Being with someone, listening without a clock and without anticipation of results, teaches us about love."
Very easy to read, but a bit disappointing because the majority of the book were experiences from nuns and volunteers that work at the various Missionaries. I would have liked to have read more about Mother Teresa's actual teachings.
I did, however, enjoy Mother Teresa's simplicity and eagerness to assist the less fortunate. To her, it doesn't matter what your religion-or lack thereof- is, your background, etc., all that matters is love. A very straightforward and uncomplicated message, but one that most of us need to hear and be reminded of.
Very easy to read, but a bit disappointing because the majority of the book were experiences from nuns and volunteers that work at the various Missionaries. I would have liked to have read more about Mother Teresa's actual teachings.
I did, however, enjoy Mother Teresa's simplicity and eagerness to assist the less fortunate. To her, it doesn't matter what your religion-or lack thereof- is, your background, etc., all that matters is love. A very straightforward and uncomplicated message, but one that most of us need to hear and be reminded of.
August 13, 2020
''Never judge people, if you judge them, you have no time to love them''
" no matter what your religion is, we worship the same God and he loves us all"
Genres and topics: Non fiction, God , Peace , prayer, forgiveness, kindness, life
" no matter what your religion is, we worship the same God and he loves us all"
Genres and topics: Non fiction, God , Peace , prayer, forgiveness, kindness, life
July 28, 2018
Rather than focus on Blessed Teresa, this book features mostly testimonials from followers who are pretty smug about their service among the poor. A few good quotes, including, “Mary would have made the best priest of all.”
September 21, 2019
Bello. interessante e coinvolgente.
La filosofia di Madre Teresa in poche semplici concetti.
La filosofia di Madre Teresa in poche semplici concetti.
November 23, 2019
Another simple portrait of life's basic instructions. Mother Teresa speaks of love in a way that we should all understand.
March 15, 2021
Beautiful summary on mother Teresa’s worldview and faith.
In summary, pray always in public and in private, always serve others, seeking to do God’s will. By doing these things, your light will shine and you’ll glorify God in heaven, that your life may be a testament to a God in heaven.
In summary, pray always in public and in private, always serve others, seeking to do God’s will. By doing these things, your light will shine and you’ll glorify God in heaven, that your life may be a testament to a God in heaven.
February 4, 2023
It’s so simple to be happy to be joyous. Why do we muck it up ? Loved this book!
February 28, 2017
Indeed, the contents contain a simple list of prayerful practices one can include in their lives to make it more Christ-centered. Filled with anecdotes and contributions from several Sisters and Missionaries of Charity, displaying lessons learned, challenges faced, and graces received from using these practices. A valuable and fruitful read.
August 16, 2020
"Todos hemos sido creados para cosas más elevadas: amar y ser amados. El amor es amor; amar a una persona sin condiciones, sin esperar nada a cambio. Las obras del amor son obras de paz y pureza. Las obras del amor son un medio para acercarse más a Dios, por lo tanto cuanto más nos ayudemos uno a otro, más y mejor querremos realmente a Dios. Jesús dijo claramente: "Amaos unos a otros como yo os he amado." El amor en acción es lo que nos da la gracia. Recemos y, si somos capaces de amar con todo el corazón, veremos su necesidad. Los no amados, los rechazados y los abandonados se transforman en desechos para la sociedad; por eso debemos hacer que todos se sientan amados.
"También hay que tener presente que esta clase de amor comienza con el hogar. No es posible brindar al prójimo lo que no tenemos nosotros mismos. Esto es muy importante. Si no veo el amor en mi hermano y hermana, entonces ¿cómo podré ver ese amor en otra persona? ¿Cómo voy a poder ofrecerlo? Todos tenemos algo de bondad. Algunos la ocultan, otros la desatienden, pero siempre está ahí." (Madre Teresa.)
"También hay que tener presente que esta clase de amor comienza con el hogar. No es posible brindar al prójimo lo que no tenemos nosotros mismos. Esto es muy importante. Si no veo el amor en mi hermano y hermana, entonces ¿cómo podré ver ese amor en otra persona? ¿Cómo voy a poder ofrecerlo? Todos tenemos algo de bondad. Algunos la ocultan, otros la desatienden, pero siempre está ahí." (Madre Teresa.)
September 6, 2021
There are some sweet lessons here from Mother Teresa and others that have worked with her about sharing love, being with people, finding peace in prayer and silence. The "simple path" includes prayer, faith, love, service, and peace. We all can love and help to make the world a better place. I loved the reminder that holiness is for everyone. Simplicity helps us focus on those around us. We don't have to have much in order to give. Often just being with someone makes all the difference.
Here are some quotes I liked:
"Why should anyone need a guide to her simple path? All we, or anyone else, needed to do was to pray, and start loving one another more (p. xiii)."
"Her faith and her clarity of purpose give us powerful lessons in the ways of loving, serving, and respecting our fellow human beings, especially those who are poor and deprived. She practices what she preaches. She treads a simple path, and it can be followed by anyone (p. xvii)."
"Mother Teresa's life has many similarities to that of Francis. Her path is also through poverty, simplicity, and adherence to the teachings of Christ, and because of this she has been viewed as a progressive in the present fundamentalist framework of the patriarchal Chruch (p. xviii)."
"Sisters and brothers of the Missionaries of Charity practice their life of poverty with the absolute faith that this will bring them nearer to God. They trust and believe in His providence (p. xix)."
"Their community life is built upon the words of the Gospel--the Christian way of prayer, love, forgiveness, nonjudgment, humility, truth, and total surrender to the Word (p. xix)."
"Both the decision to leave her homeland and go to the other side of the world, and the choice of Teresa as her professed name, are essential clues to understanding Mother Teresa's strength, character, and purpose. They show her fervor for not just becoming religious, but wanting clearly to do missionary work--'to go out and give the life of Christ to the people' is how she refers to this first call (p. xx)."
"The message was quite clear--I was to give up all and follow Jesus into the slums--to serve Him in the poorest of the poor (p. xxii)."
"It took a couple of years to gain permission to redirect her missionary service from teacher to servant, from a secure and comfortable community to having nothing except exceptional faith and remarkable vision (p. xxii)."
"Mother Teresa is that rare combination of the grounded being and the transcendent soul, a combination brought about by prayer, which she says helps her strike 'a proper balance between Earth and Heaven (p. xxiii).'"
"Holiness is a necessity in life... it is not the luxury of a few... but is 'a simple duty of all. Holiness is for everyone (p. xxiii).'"
"Whoever she's talking to, that person becomes the most important person in front of her (p. xxiv)."
"'Our work is to encourage Christians and non-Christians to do works of love (xxvii).'"
"The Christian way has always been to love God and one's neighbor as oneself (p. xxvii)."
"Mother Teresa's chosen way is the Christian one, and her divine guide is Jesus Christ (p. xxviii)."
"Christ not only loved in this world, but He showed His love through His suffering on the Cross (p. xxx)."
"'If they complain about the food, we can say that we eat the same. The more we have the less we can give. Poverty is a wonderful gift because it gives us freedom--it means we have fewer obstacles to God (p. xxxi).'"
"'Jesus wanted to help by sharing our life, our loneliness, our agony, our death. Only by being one with us has He redeemed us (p. xxxii).'"
"'Without our suffering our work would be just social work (p. xxxiii).'"
"Having read, we should do something, anything, and by that act of love we (and others) will be enriched (p. xxxviii)."
"THE SIMPLE PATH
The fruit of silence is PRAYER. The fruit of prayer is FAITH. The fruit of faith is LOVE. The fruit of love is SERVICE. The fruit of service is PEACE (p. 1)."
"We must all take the time to be silent and to contemplate... I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks... A clean heart can see God, can speak to God, and can see the love of God in others(p. 7)."
"Just speak. Tell Him everything, talk to Him. He is our father, He is father to us all whatever religion we are. We are all created by God, we are his children. We have to put our trust in Him and love Him, believe in Him, work for Him (p. 8)."
"The most important thing that a human being can do is pray, because we've been made for God and our hearts are restless until we rest with Him. And it's in prayer that we come into contact with God. We are made for Heaven and were not going to get to Heaven if we don't pray in some way. It doesn't necessarily have to be formal prayer (p. 9)."
"Start and end the day with prayer. Come to God as a child (p. 13)."
"If you pray together you will stay together and love each other as God loves each one of you (p. 19)."
"'Pray and forgive (p. 20).'"
"We all need time for silence, to reflect and to pray (p. 25)."
"'Choosing a life of poverty usually means a lack of privacy (p. 26).'"
"There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I've always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic (p. 31)."
"Let Jesus use you without consulting you (p. 45)."
"'The prayer should have been to be given the strength to accept what is in God's plan for us (p. 46).'"
"We are not born bad: everybody has something good inside. Some hid it, some neglect it, but it is there. God created us to love and to be loved, so it is our test from God to choose one path or the other (p. 51)."
"Each life is precious to God (p. 53)"
"I don't have time to worry about all these issues--there are too many things to do in my everyday work... To God, everything is simple--God's love for us is greater than all the conflicts, which will pass (p. 60)."
"I am being taught all the time by others (p. 65)."
"The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love (p. 79)."
"'There is only one love and this is the love of God. Once we love God deeply enough we will love our neighbor to the same extent because, as we grow in our love of God, we grow to respect all that He has created and to recognize and appreciate all the gifts He has given us (p. 80)."
"To get to love a person, you must contact that person, become close. Everyone needs love. All must know that they're wanted and that they are important to God (p. 81)."
"Love has no meaning if it isn't shared (p. 87)."
"Love is expressed first in being with before doing to someone... When you are willing to be with a poor person you can recognize his need and if your love is genuine you naturally want to do what you can as an expression of your love (p. 89)."
"Do we look at the poor with compassion? They are hungry not only for food, they are hungry to be recognized as human beings. They are hungry for dignity and to be treated as we are treated. They are hungry for our love (p. 90)."
"People are more content to just be, to just sit around under a banyan tree for half a day chatting to each other... There is value to it. Being with someone, listening without a clock and without anticipation of results, teaches us about love. The success of love is in the loving--it is not in the result of loving (p. 95)."
"Do ordinary things with extraordinary love: little things like caring for the sick and the homeless, the lonely and the unwanted, washing and cleaning for them (p. 99)."
"God loves a cheerful giver (p. 105)."
"Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service (p. 114)."
"'All the work is done by patients--they train others in dressing, injections, and ward maintenance. They take care of their own brethen. They understand the sufferings and difficulties of other patients so much better than we do (p. 119)."
"'We never ask people why they are on the street: we don't need to know their history. We don't judge them for whatever situation they are in, because all they want is some love and care and they are satisfied (p. 123)."
"'God, in His wisdom, puts it all together. He knows that no one person can cover the whole situation so he inspires certain people to work in certain areas and others to work in others (p. 128).'"
"We are happy and thankful that you have taken this opportunity to be a witness of God's love in action (p. 138)."
"I learned a lot about the homeless. You know, we tend to see them as visitors from another planet. We never think of hunkering down and talking to them, because we think they might be violent or mentally unbalanced; but from my experience those are usually in the minority. Most of them are quiet, gentle people where something has just gone wrong. They are vulnerable and more endangered than dangerous (p. 152)."
"'I've found out that to think about changing the world is an impossible and probably arrogant idea. If you don't like it the way it is then change yourself (p. 153).'"
"'When you got to know the characters, I found you looked past the labels we use like 'alcoholic,' or 'drug addict'--you saw the people and they became friends (p. 157)."
"'It's impossible to be lonely if you reach out to someone else, especially in your community. It's a mutual thing--you give and you receive (p. 159).'"
"'In helping someone else you may also help yourself (p. 160).'"
"'I think eventually I've come to realize that the fewer possessions you have the happier you are... I believe the simplest way is the easiest way to God (p. 164).'"
"'Dear Lord, help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go (p. 165).'"
"Works of love are always works of peace. Whenever you share love with others, you'll notice the peace that comes to you and to them. When there is peace, there is God--that is how God touches our lives and shows His love for us by pouring peace and joy into our hearts (p. 171)."
"'If we just turn to Him, He will bring us this inner healing, this spiritual healing so we can make our lives more holy and more pleasing to God (p. 172).'"
"Let God work in His own way and the things do happen (p. 172)."
"There is joy in loving God (p. 179)."
"Everything is God's to give and to take away (p. 180)."
"'Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love (p. 181).'"
"'If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives, DO GOOD ANYWAY (p. 185).'"
Here are some quotes I liked:
"Why should anyone need a guide to her simple path? All we, or anyone else, needed to do was to pray, and start loving one another more (p. xiii)."
"Her faith and her clarity of purpose give us powerful lessons in the ways of loving, serving, and respecting our fellow human beings, especially those who are poor and deprived. She practices what she preaches. She treads a simple path, and it can be followed by anyone (p. xvii)."
"Mother Teresa's life has many similarities to that of Francis. Her path is also through poverty, simplicity, and adherence to the teachings of Christ, and because of this she has been viewed as a progressive in the present fundamentalist framework of the patriarchal Chruch (p. xviii)."
"Sisters and brothers of the Missionaries of Charity practice their life of poverty with the absolute faith that this will bring them nearer to God. They trust and believe in His providence (p. xix)."
"Their community life is built upon the words of the Gospel--the Christian way of prayer, love, forgiveness, nonjudgment, humility, truth, and total surrender to the Word (p. xix)."
"Both the decision to leave her homeland and go to the other side of the world, and the choice of Teresa as her professed name, are essential clues to understanding Mother Teresa's strength, character, and purpose. They show her fervor for not just becoming religious, but wanting clearly to do missionary work--'to go out and give the life of Christ to the people' is how she refers to this first call (p. xx)."
"The message was quite clear--I was to give up all and follow Jesus into the slums--to serve Him in the poorest of the poor (p. xxii)."
"It took a couple of years to gain permission to redirect her missionary service from teacher to servant, from a secure and comfortable community to having nothing except exceptional faith and remarkable vision (p. xxii)."
"Mother Teresa is that rare combination of the grounded being and the transcendent soul, a combination brought about by prayer, which she says helps her strike 'a proper balance between Earth and Heaven (p. xxiii).'"
"Holiness is a necessity in life... it is not the luxury of a few... but is 'a simple duty of all. Holiness is for everyone (p. xxiii).'"
"Whoever she's talking to, that person becomes the most important person in front of her (p. xxiv)."
"'Our work is to encourage Christians and non-Christians to do works of love (xxvii).'"
"The Christian way has always been to love God and one's neighbor as oneself (p. xxvii)."
"Mother Teresa's chosen way is the Christian one, and her divine guide is Jesus Christ (p. xxviii)."
"Christ not only loved in this world, but He showed His love through His suffering on the Cross (p. xxx)."
"'If they complain about the food, we can say that we eat the same. The more we have the less we can give. Poverty is a wonderful gift because it gives us freedom--it means we have fewer obstacles to God (p. xxxi).'"
"'Jesus wanted to help by sharing our life, our loneliness, our agony, our death. Only by being one with us has He redeemed us (p. xxxii).'"
"'Without our suffering our work would be just social work (p. xxxiii).'"
"Having read, we should do something, anything, and by that act of love we (and others) will be enriched (p. xxxviii)."
"THE SIMPLE PATH
The fruit of silence is PRAYER. The fruit of prayer is FAITH. The fruit of faith is LOVE. The fruit of love is SERVICE. The fruit of service is PEACE (p. 1)."
"We must all take the time to be silent and to contemplate... I always begin my prayer in silence, for it is in the silence of the heart that God speaks... A clean heart can see God, can speak to God, and can see the love of God in others(p. 7)."
"Just speak. Tell Him everything, talk to Him. He is our father, He is father to us all whatever religion we are. We are all created by God, we are his children. We have to put our trust in Him and love Him, believe in Him, work for Him (p. 8)."
"The most important thing that a human being can do is pray, because we've been made for God and our hearts are restless until we rest with Him. And it's in prayer that we come into contact with God. We are made for Heaven and were not going to get to Heaven if we don't pray in some way. It doesn't necessarily have to be formal prayer (p. 9)."
"Start and end the day with prayer. Come to God as a child (p. 13)."
"If you pray together you will stay together and love each other as God loves each one of you (p. 19)."
"'Pray and forgive (p. 20).'"
"We all need time for silence, to reflect and to pray (p. 25)."
"'Choosing a life of poverty usually means a lack of privacy (p. 26).'"
"There is only one God and He is God to all; therefore it is important that everyone is seen as equal before God. I've always said we should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic (p. 31)."
"Let Jesus use you without consulting you (p. 45)."
"'The prayer should have been to be given the strength to accept what is in God's plan for us (p. 46).'"
"We are not born bad: everybody has something good inside. Some hid it, some neglect it, but it is there. God created us to love and to be loved, so it is our test from God to choose one path or the other (p. 51)."
"Each life is precious to God (p. 53)"
"I don't have time to worry about all these issues--there are too many things to do in my everyday work... To God, everything is simple--God's love for us is greater than all the conflicts, which will pass (p. 60)."
"I am being taught all the time by others (p. 65)."
"The greatest disease in the West today is not TB or leprosy; it is being unwanted, unloved, and uncared for. We can cure physical diseases with medicine, but the only cure for loneliness, despair, and hopelessness is love (p. 79)."
"'There is only one love and this is the love of God. Once we love God deeply enough we will love our neighbor to the same extent because, as we grow in our love of God, we grow to respect all that He has created and to recognize and appreciate all the gifts He has given us (p. 80)."
"To get to love a person, you must contact that person, become close. Everyone needs love. All must know that they're wanted and that they are important to God (p. 81)."
"Love has no meaning if it isn't shared (p. 87)."
"Love is expressed first in being with before doing to someone... When you are willing to be with a poor person you can recognize his need and if your love is genuine you naturally want to do what you can as an expression of your love (p. 89)."
"Do we look at the poor with compassion? They are hungry not only for food, they are hungry to be recognized as human beings. They are hungry for dignity and to be treated as we are treated. They are hungry for our love (p. 90)."
"People are more content to just be, to just sit around under a banyan tree for half a day chatting to each other... There is value to it. Being with someone, listening without a clock and without anticipation of results, teaches us about love. The success of love is in the loving--it is not in the result of loving (p. 95)."
"Do ordinary things with extraordinary love: little things like caring for the sick and the homeless, the lonely and the unwanted, washing and cleaning for them (p. 99)."
"God loves a cheerful giver (p. 105)."
"Prayer in action is love, and love in action is service (p. 114)."
"'All the work is done by patients--they train others in dressing, injections, and ward maintenance. They take care of their own brethen. They understand the sufferings and difficulties of other patients so much better than we do (p. 119)."
"'We never ask people why they are on the street: we don't need to know their history. We don't judge them for whatever situation they are in, because all they want is some love and care and they are satisfied (p. 123)."
"'God, in His wisdom, puts it all together. He knows that no one person can cover the whole situation so he inspires certain people to work in certain areas and others to work in others (p. 128).'"
"We are happy and thankful that you have taken this opportunity to be a witness of God's love in action (p. 138)."
"I learned a lot about the homeless. You know, we tend to see them as visitors from another planet. We never think of hunkering down and talking to them, because we think they might be violent or mentally unbalanced; but from my experience those are usually in the minority. Most of them are quiet, gentle people where something has just gone wrong. They are vulnerable and more endangered than dangerous (p. 152)."
"'I've found out that to think about changing the world is an impossible and probably arrogant idea. If you don't like it the way it is then change yourself (p. 153).'"
"'When you got to know the characters, I found you looked past the labels we use like 'alcoholic,' or 'drug addict'--you saw the people and they became friends (p. 157)."
"'It's impossible to be lonely if you reach out to someone else, especially in your community. It's a mutual thing--you give and you receive (p. 159).'"
"'In helping someone else you may also help yourself (p. 160).'"
"'I think eventually I've come to realize that the fewer possessions you have the happier you are... I believe the simplest way is the easiest way to God (p. 164).'"
"'Dear Lord, help me to spread thy fragrance everywhere I go (p. 165).'"
"Works of love are always works of peace. Whenever you share love with others, you'll notice the peace that comes to you and to them. When there is peace, there is God--that is how God touches our lives and shows His love for us by pouring peace and joy into our hearts (p. 171)."
"'If we just turn to Him, He will bring us this inner healing, this spiritual healing so we can make our lives more holy and more pleasing to God (p. 172).'"
"Let God work in His own way and the things do happen (p. 172)."
"There is joy in loving God (p. 179)."
"Everything is God's to give and to take away (p. 180)."
"'Lord, make me a channel of Thy peace, that where there is hatred, I may bring love (p. 181).'"
"'If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives, DO GOOD ANYWAY (p. 185).'"
March 24, 2015
As much as I would like to give a five-star rating to a book about/by Mother Teresa, I cannot do so in this instance. This book contained more quotes and insights from members of the Missionaries of Charity and volunteers than from Mother Teresa herself. Furthermore, the author's intermingling of Catholic "social justice" activities with beliefs of non-Christians and New Agers were laughable at best. Furthermore, when I read the author/editor's suggestion that when the non-Christian reader encountered references to Jesus they should simply substitute whatever god/deity/whatever they personally believe in was APPALLING. To attempt to separate the Missionaries of Charities' service from Jesus is patently ridiculous. To be very honest, I was very surprised to find that even some of the religious sisters and brothers echoed some of the mushy, kumbaya theology that the Church has suffered from since the close of Vatican II, and that gave me a different view -- and not a pleasant one -- of the M.C. I realize that that puts me outside the mainstream of current Western religious thought, but I expect a Catholic religious order to be, well, CATHOLIC (and unapologetically so). All in all, if you want a good view of Mother Teresa's motivations, skip this book and look elsewhere.
March 18, 2016
An inspiring book. And one that causes you to take a good hard look at what you are accomplishing in your life and what your priorities are. She started with helping one person and has literally changed thousands of lives. The book was missing some information about exactly how it all came about but I suspect there's other books to read with that detail. This was just a very honest and humble look at the work her organization does and her simple philosophy. I love the poems and sayings sprinkled within.
August 16, 2012
Talk about inspiration! This book is none other. And you don't even have to be Christian. She addresses Hindus and Muslims also. She even addresses atheists who want to do good in this world. So this would appeal to everybody who is trying to make the world a better place by aiding the neediest and the poorest. There are quotes from Mother Teresa, quotes from other sisters and brothers, and also quotes from volunteers.
August 20, 2012
What and incredible woman of God! She lives Jesus with all her heart, soul, mind, and strength, and shared that love to the least of us just as we're all commanded.
What an inspiring testimony of how God will do remarkable things in and through us if we let him. Love, service, and me a vessel of peace to those around us. Most of all, talk with God at least once a day! Prayer is not a last resort, it is vital to our relationship with God! Amazing!
What an inspiring testimony of how God will do remarkable things in and through us if we let him. Love, service, and me a vessel of peace to those around us. Most of all, talk with God at least once a day! Prayer is not a last resort, it is vital to our relationship with God! Amazing!
April 26, 2021
A Simple Path explains the thoughts and experiences that led Mother Teresa to do her exemplary work of charity. It is not a difficult read. It is basic in its concepts and straight forward. The book does not take long to read, but it will take more time to digest, especially for those from busy circles in the west.
The Simple Path that she describes is this: The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.
While some may think that this is too simple, the author shares testimonies of those who have followed Mother Teresa's path. Several meaningful testimonies from those who live in the west are shared. Whether it is too simple or not, it is the testimony of a remarkable woman of the twentieth century and is worth consideration from one of the most influential Christians of the twentieth century.
There are some real gems to ponder, such as "There are five sufferings – physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual – and any or all of these come into play at some point, whether you are the suffering recipient of love or the giver of love to the sufferer. All suffering is perceived as sacrifice." (p. xxxii)
“If you are searching for God and do not know where to begin, learn to pray and take the trouble to pray every day.” p. 8
“Without prayer I could not work for even half an hour. I get my strength from God through prayer, which is something all the sisters understand.” p. 8
"On service, the point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time." p. 114
"You have come to serve Christ in the crippled, the sick and the dying. We are happy and thankful that you have taken this opportunity to be a witness of God's love in action. Remember that it is Christ who works through us - we are merely instruments for serive. It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing" p.137-38.
Works of love are always works of peace. Whenever you share love with others, you’ll notice the peace that comes to you and to them. When there is peace, there is God – that is how God touches our lives and shows His love for us by pouring peace and joy into our hearts, p. 171
The Poem "Anyway" , p. 185
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered, Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives, Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies, Succeed anyway.
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow, Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable, Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight, Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you help them, Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth, Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
Some Christians will have difficulty with this statement by Lucinda Vardey who makes this comment in the introduction. "This is why when reading Mother Teresa's words and those of her community, we may, if we choose, replace the references to Jesus with references to other godheads or symbols of divinity."
Regardless of one's feelings of universalism or the simple nature of her words, it is worth reading first hand these ideas which have inspired many.
The Simple Path that she describes is this: The fruit of silence is prayer. The fruit of prayer is faith. The fruit of faith is love. The fruit of love is service. The fruit of service is peace.
While some may think that this is too simple, the author shares testimonies of those who have followed Mother Teresa's path. Several meaningful testimonies from those who live in the west are shared. Whether it is too simple or not, it is the testimony of a remarkable woman of the twentieth century and is worth consideration from one of the most influential Christians of the twentieth century.
There are some real gems to ponder, such as "There are five sufferings – physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual – and any or all of these come into play at some point, whether you are the suffering recipient of love or the giver of love to the sufferer. All suffering is perceived as sacrifice." (p. xxxii)
“If you are searching for God and do not know where to begin, learn to pray and take the trouble to pray every day.” p. 8
“Without prayer I could not work for even half an hour. I get my strength from God through prayer, which is something all the sisters understand.” p. 8
"On service, the point is to do something, however small, and show you care through your actions by giving your time." p. 114
"You have come to serve Christ in the crippled, the sick and the dying. We are happy and thankful that you have taken this opportunity to be a witness of God's love in action. Remember that it is Christ who works through us - we are merely instruments for serive. It is not how much we do, but how much love we put into the doing" p.137-38.
Works of love are always works of peace. Whenever you share love with others, you’ll notice the peace that comes to you and to them. When there is peace, there is God – that is how God touches our lives and shows His love for us by pouring peace and joy into our hearts, p. 171
The Poem "Anyway" , p. 185
People are unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered, Love them anyway.
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives, Do good anyway.
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies, Succeed anyway.
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow, Do good anyway.
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable, Be honest and frank anyway.
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight, Build anyway.
People really need help but may attack you if you help them, Help people anyway.
Give the world the best you have and you’ll get kicked in the teeth, Give the world the best you’ve got anyway.
Some Christians will have difficulty with this statement by Lucinda Vardey who makes this comment in the introduction. "This is why when reading Mother Teresa's words and those of her community, we may, if we choose, replace the references to Jesus with references to other godheads or symbols of divinity."
Regardless of one's feelings of universalism or the simple nature of her words, it is worth reading first hand these ideas which have inspired many.
February 9, 2018
Mother Teresa : A Simple Path
A lighted experience along a blighted path. We witness firsthand and through accounts both personal and of immediate proximity to the witness and extraordinary charitable work of Mother Teresa herself. I'd like to have seen a bit more from Mother Teresa alone, as it’s about half and half of each. We learn why it took root in Calcutta and how and when the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity began, which in 2012 consisted of over 4500 sisters and was active in 133 countries, running hospices for people with AIDS, Leprosy, and TB. Along with orphanage assistance, counseling programs, and schools. Among the credence is that members must adhere to vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience to God, along with give “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.” This book shows the story behind the story and why she both received the honors she has, including The Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, why she was and remained who she was, the principles that led her, and why her figure leads to both admiration and controversy. It’s hard to walk the Simple Path. And it’s equally hard to walk away from this one, its thoughts, devotions, and uplifting proclamation, without being changed in some way.
~
“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.”
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is yet to come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
“Works of love are always works of joy.”
“We are not called to be successful, but faithful.”
"We cannot do great things, but only small things with great love.”
“Do we look at the poor with compassion? They are hungry not only for food, they are hungry to be recognized as human beings.”
"There is something else to remember — that this kind of love begins at home. We cannot give to the outside what we don’t have on the inside. This is very important. If I can’t see God’s love in my brother and sister then how can I see that love in somebody else? How can I give it to somebody else? Everybody has got some good. Some hide it, some neglect it, but it is there."
“We have all been created for greater things — to love and to be loved. Love is love — to love a person without any conditions, without any expectations. Works of love are works of peace and purity. Works of love are always a means of becoming closer to God, so the more we help each other, the more we really love God better by loving each other. Jesus very clearly said, ‘Love one another as I have loved you,’ Love in action is what gives us grace. We pray and, if we are able to love with a whole heart, then we will see the need. Those who are unwanted, unloved, and uncared for become just a throwaway of society -that’s why we must really make everybody feel wanted.”
A lighted experience along a blighted path. We witness firsthand and through accounts both personal and of immediate proximity to the witness and extraordinary charitable work of Mother Teresa herself. I'd like to have seen a bit more from Mother Teresa alone, as it’s about half and half of each. We learn why it took root in Calcutta and how and when the Sisters of the Missionaries of Charity began, which in 2012 consisted of over 4500 sisters and was active in 133 countries, running hospices for people with AIDS, Leprosy, and TB. Along with orphanage assistance, counseling programs, and schools. Among the credence is that members must adhere to vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience to God, along with give “wholehearted free service to the poorest of the poor.” This book shows the story behind the story and why she both received the honors she has, including The Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, why she was and remained who she was, the principles that led her, and why her figure leads to both admiration and controversy. It’s hard to walk the Simple Path. And it’s equally hard to walk away from this one, its thoughts, devotions, and uplifting proclamation, without being changed in some way.
~
“The fruit of silence is prayer, the fruit of prayer is faith, the fruit of faith is love, the fruit of love is service, the fruit of service is peace.”
“Yesterday is gone. Tomorrow is yet to come. We have only today. Let us begin.”
“Works of love are always works of joy.”
“We are not called to be successful, but faithful.”
"We cannot do great things, but only small things with great love.”
“Do we look at the poor with compassion? They are hungry not only for food, they are hungry to be recognized as human beings.”
"There is something else to remember — that this kind of love begins at home. We cannot give to the outside what we don’t have on the inside. This is very important. If I can’t see God’s love in my brother and sister then how can I see that love in somebody else? How can I give it to somebody else? Everybody has got some good. Some hide it, some neglect it, but it is there."
“We have all been created for greater things — to love and to be loved. Love is love — to love a person without any conditions, without any expectations. Works of love are works of peace and purity. Works of love are always a means of becoming closer to God, so the more we help each other, the more we really love God better by loving each other. Jesus very clearly said, ‘Love one another as I have loved you,’ Love in action is what gives us grace. We pray and, if we are able to love with a whole heart, then we will see the need. Those who are unwanted, unloved, and uncared for become just a throwaway of society -that’s why we must really make everybody feel wanted.”
May 24, 2025
What a beautiful and inspiring book. I truly enjoyed reading it. The message is powerful and deeply moving, reminding us that we do not need to travel across the world to make a difference. I often wish I could join one of Mother Teresa's charities myself, but this book helped me see that the opportunity to give and serve is already all around us. Whether it is a neighbour, a coworker, or someone we pass on the street, there are always people who need compassion and kindness.
One of the most meaningful lessons in this book is that charity begins at home. It is easy to focus on the suffering of people in distant countries while overlooking the needs of those closest to us. Many of us are not in a position to leave everything behind and volunteer for months, but that does not mean we cannot live with purpose. Every day offers a chance to act with love, to help where we can, and to grow closer to God through those small yet meaningful choices.
This book is a powerful reminder that we do not have to wait to do good and to be closer to God.
Five stars without a doubt. I will definitely be recommending this book to others. I have already bought a copy for a friend and truly hope it brings her as much insight and comfort as it brought me.
One of the most meaningful lessons in this book is that charity begins at home. It is easy to focus on the suffering of people in distant countries while overlooking the needs of those closest to us. Many of us are not in a position to leave everything behind and volunteer for months, but that does not mean we cannot live with purpose. Every day offers a chance to act with love, to help where we can, and to grow closer to God through those small yet meaningful choices.
This book is a powerful reminder that we do not have to wait to do good and to be closer to God.
Five stars without a doubt. I will definitely be recommending this book to others. I have already bought a copy for a friend and truly hope it brings her as much insight and comfort as it brought me.
October 4, 2019
This felt like the quick and dirty version of your good Catholic spiritual book. It’s short and extremely easy to read. It’s moving, the work that the Missionaries of Charity do. They are so simple and self-sacrificing and it’s beautiful to hear about their joy and distaste for their own comfort. Things I disliked about the book: a sense of accountability and the writing style. First about the writing style- the narrator is confusing. I think the quotes are more or less summaries of what Mother Theresa said but not her exact words. The writing is ecumenical, which I think Mother Theresa would have wanted. So in that way it both penetrates and entirely avoids the deepest theology of love because love is so simple and so layered at the same time. This book (and the order) focuses more on the simple love if that makes sense. Second thing I disliked was the accountability part, as in now I feel responsible to go pray and serve and culpable for not doing so. (As if that wasn’t already the case). Overall, Mother Theresa rocks and any book about her work is worth reading even if it’s just a mediocre book.
August 6, 2020
"People die suddenly all the time so it could happen to us too at any moment. Yesterday is gone and tomorrow has not yet come, so we must live each day as if it were our last so that...we are ready to die with a clean heart."
This book was for me a note to how a small act of kindness to the the least of our brothers and sisters could mean the world to them. In your own little way, you could be the light of the world to someone. A little love goes a long way.
The crown of it all was:
"People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered - Love them anyway
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives - Do good anyway
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies - Succeed anyway
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow - Do good anyway
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable - Be honest and frank anyway
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight - Build anyway
People really need help but may attack you if you help them - Help people anyway
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth - Give the world the best you've got anyway."
This book was for me a note to how a small act of kindness to the the least of our brothers and sisters could mean the world to them. In your own little way, you could be the light of the world to someone. A little love goes a long way.
The crown of it all was:
"People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered - Love them anyway
If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives - Do good anyway
If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies - Succeed anyway
The good you do will be forgotten tomorrow - Do good anyway
Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable - Be honest and frank anyway
What you spent years building may be destroyed overnight - Build anyway
People really need help but may attack you if you help them - Help people anyway
Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth - Give the world the best you've got anyway."
April 24, 2024
Mother's simple path
You tune into the radio, turn on the TV, glue to your mobile phone. The world is falling apart. People are suffering all over the world, your neighbors around the corner are living in pain. Their scream and cry out for help seem so real, yet so distant. So deafening, yet itself are drown out by the white noise in the room. You saw it with your own eyes, yet you don’t believe your eyes. True horror of our society is not “an eye for an eye”, but sad truth is we “turn a blind eye” to those in need.
You pray, there are miracles that help all those in need. Well, your prayer has come true. You are the miracle. For this miracle to be fruitful, it is essential to nurture the seed. The Seed will grow into fruits. Then the fruits will turn into a sea of seeds.
When walking on a Simple Path, our Prayer is done in silent. Only in silent, we can hear what our heart pray for. Only in silent we can hear the message from above.
https://youtu.be/l2P3z5qnHwo?si=-SGsa...
You tune into the radio, turn on the TV, glue to your mobile phone. The world is falling apart. People are suffering all over the world, your neighbors around the corner are living in pain. Their scream and cry out for help seem so real, yet so distant. So deafening, yet itself are drown out by the white noise in the room. You saw it with your own eyes, yet you don’t believe your eyes. True horror of our society is not “an eye for an eye”, but sad truth is we “turn a blind eye” to those in need.
You pray, there are miracles that help all those in need. Well, your prayer has come true. You are the miracle. For this miracle to be fruitful, it is essential to nurture the seed. The Seed will grow into fruits. Then the fruits will turn into a sea of seeds.
When walking on a Simple Path, our Prayer is done in silent. Only in silent, we can hear what our heart pray for. Only in silent we can hear the message from above.
https://youtu.be/l2P3z5qnHwo?si=-SGsa...
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