Book SummaryTo Love and Be Loved, by Jim Towey

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of To Love and Be Loved

Mother Teresa's Faith and Dedication to Helping the Poor

This section introduces Mother Teresa's journey of faith and her profound commitment to aiding the most impoverished individuals. From her early life, a deep faith and desire to be a missionary guided her path. A pivotal event in her life was a mystical experience on a train to Darjeeling, where she received what she perceived as a direct calling from Jesus to dedicate her life to those in the impoverished areas of Calcutta. This calling initiated the establishment of the religious order called the Missionaries of Charity, which is devoted to serving the destitute and dying.

Mother Teresa's method emphasized respect and honoring everyone's dignity, regardless of faith. She believed in helping the "whole person," addressing not only physical needs but also the deep longing for connection and acceptance. Towey frequently mentions Mother Teresa's phrase "Jesus hidden in those who suffer," a concept highlighting her belief that in serving those in need, she was directly serving Christ.

Mother Teresa's Divine Calling to Aid the Impoverished

Towey presents Mother Teresa's journey as a response to a distinct divine calling. This was not a vague sense of wanting to do good, but a specific instruction and a life-altering mission. Her train journey to Darjeeling is akin to biblical narratives of prophets receiving divine instructions. The author emphasizes the clarity and authority of this calling, driving Mother Teresa's subsequent actions and her establishment of the Missionaries of Charity.

Visions Inspired Her to Establish the Order of Charity Sisters

Mother Teresa experienced a profound calling to serve those in extreme poverty while on a train journey to Darjeeling. During this journey, she had a transcendent encounter in which she heard the voice of Jesus say, "I thirst." She interpreted this thirst as Jesus's wish for affection and souls, and felt called to quench that thirst through service to those who were most neglected and abandoned. Further solidifying this calling, she experienced several revelations in that location. These visions depicted impoverished masses pleading for help, Mary echoing this plea, and a final vision of Jesus himself on the cross reinforcing this call to serve. It was these visions, coupled with the "I thirst" experience, that provided the impetus for Mother Teresa to leave the comfort and security of the Loreto community and embark on her mission to establish the Missionaries of Charity.

Practical Tips

• Dedicate a portion of your monthly budget to support local charities that work with people in extreme poverty. Even a small, consistent donation can make a significant impact when pooled with others. Research and choose an organization that aligns with your values and commit to regular contributions.
• Engage in a creative project that expresses your spiritual interpretations, such as painting, music, or writing. If "I thirst" suggests a longing for affection and connection, you might create a series of paintings that depict different forms of love and community. Sharing your art can inspire others to reflect on their own spiritual experiences and interpretations.
• Create a vision board that represents your aspirations to help others. Use images, quotes, and symbols that reflect the change you wish to see or contribute to in the world. This visual representation serves as a daily reminder and motivation to take steps towards your goals, much like a personal mission statement.

Caring For Destitute, Dying, and Marginalized, Regardless of Faith

A central tenet of Mother Teresa's mission was serving the most destitute with dignity and respect, regardless of their religious beliefs. Author Jim Towey emphasizes Mother Teresa's belief in serving the "whole person," recognizing the inherent dignity of every individual. The establishment of the Kalighat facility for the dying exemplifies this. Kalighat served as a refuge for those abandoned and left to die on the streets, offering basic medical care, nourishment, housing, and love. Crucially, Mother Teresa ensured that all residents of Kalighat, whether Hindu, Muslim, or Christian, were treated with respect for their faith and provided with appropriate religious rites upon their death. This commitment to honoring each person's faith underscores the author's belief that the mission transcended religious boundaries and focused on the universal need for empathy and care.

Practical Tips

• Create a "dignity jar" at home or work where you and others can drop in written acknowledgments of acts that honor the inherent dignity of individuals. These can be actions you've witnessed or done yourself. Regularly review the contents of the jar to celebrate these moments and reinforce the practice of recognizing and serving the "whole person" in daily life.
• Offer to assist with basic home repairs or maintenance for elderly or disabled neighbors. Many individuals struggle with tasks that others might find simple, like changing light bulbs or fixing a leaky faucet. By helping out, you not only improve their living conditions but also foster a sense of community and support.
• Create a "Kindness Bingo" game with squares filled with simple acts of care, such as writing a supportive note to a stranger or volunteering at a local shelter. Playing this game can make the practice of empathy and care more engaging and measurable, as you mark off completed acts.

Mother Teresa's Dedication to God and Mary

Mother Teresa's commitment to helping those most in need was deeply rooted in her faith and devotion to God and the Virgin Mary. This faith was more than just a belief system; it was a lived reality, evident in how she prayed, her interaction with others, and how she accepted adversity. Towey stresses the centrality of prayer in Mother Teresa's everyday activities, emphasizing the discipline and depth of her communion with...

To Love and Be Loved Summary Mother Teresa's Leadership In Growing the Missionaries of Charity

Towey highlights Mother Teresa's adeptness in leading and managing the Missionaries of Charity's swift expansion. This leadership transcended spiritual guidance to encompass the practical aspects of managing a complex organization.

Mother Teresa's Entrepreneurial Spirit and Global Growth of Missionaries of Charity

While she was known for her spiritual leadership, Mother Teresa was also remarkably adept at the practical matters involved with the rapid growth of the order. She possessed a natural entrepreneurial spirit, recognizing opportunities for expansion and leveraging resources effectively. Towey notes that she was able to manage a global network of missions with no paid staff and relying solely on donations, due to both her entrepreneurial skills and trust in divine intervention.

Founding Missions and Homes for Impoverished People Worldwide

Mother Teresa, according to the author, was less of a planner and more of an instinctive responder to need. The Missions of Charity started where the suffering of people needed them most, and as demand for their services grew, she allowed opportunity and need to dictate expansion. This resulted in a vast network of missions...

To Love and Be Loved Summary The Humanity, Humility, and Spiritual Struggles of Mother Teresa

While often seen as a saintly figure, Teresa was also profoundly human. This section offers an intimate glimpse into her personality, revealing her humor, playfulness, charitable nature, and even her flaws.

Tenderness, Playfulness, and Maternal Love Mother Teresa Showed to Her Sisters, Friends, and Those in Need

The sisters, her friends, and the poor who sought her aid deeply loved Mother Teresa. Beyond her unwavering faith, her genuine warmth and motherly love endeared her to numerous people.

Cheerfulness, Comedy, and Generosity Amid Hardship

Towey paints a vivid picture of a strong, capable woman with a playful and mischievous side as well. He recounts numerous anecdotes illustrating her comedic spirit and generosity. Even when confronting challenging circumstances, she maintained a cheerful disposition and used humor to lighten anxieties and foster joy among those around her.

Towey shares lighthearted anecdotes about Mother Teresa chipping at frozen ice cream, joking with doctors about her medical conditions, and playfully teasing her sisters. He details examples of her generosity, highlighting her tendency to give away treasured possessions to those she loved,...

To Love and Be Loved Summary Author's Bond With Mother Teresa, the Charity Missionaries, and Their Legacy

Towey concludes his book by reflecting on how he personally transformed due to his connection with Mother Teresa and the Missionaries of Charity. He articulates how his involvement in their work led him from a self-centered lifestyle to a more fulfilling existence focused on helping people.

Meeting Mother Teresa in Kolkata and Devoting Oneself to the Missionaries' Aid for the Poor

Towey's initial reason for visiting her was less than altruistic. He wanted her to alleviate his personal guilt and anxieties. However, Mother Teresa prompted a gradual change in him, starting with his first experience serving at Kalighat. The author admits he initially went to Kalighat out of pride, unwilling to reveal to Sister Luke he was too squeamish to help. However, this initial act of service, however reluctant, became a turning point for him. It opened his eyes to the suffering of the poor and inspired a growing commitment to the charity.

From Self-Centered Youth to Selfless Supporter of Impoverished People

The author chronicles his path away from a world of political ambition and personal gratification to a life increasingly focused on helping people. This transformation was a...