St. Paul's at 330 W. Coral Gables Dr., Phoenix, AZ 85023 US - Making a Difference

'Unless life is lived for others, it is not worthwhile.' This statement by the late Mother Teresa totally contradicts the hedonism of the me generation. Without a doubt, saintly Mother Teresa has volumes to teach us about our raison d'entre or purpose in life. When I wrote Mother Teresa during the final year of her earthly life, I offered her the prayers and love of our family. Soon afterwards, she sent us the following personal note: Let us take whatever God gives and give whatever God takes with a smile. That is holiness." In 1997, the sports world fittingly paused to commemorate the 50th anniversary of legendary Jackie Robinson, who not only changed the face of baseball but of American society. Although it's estimated he witnessed enough hatred to last ten lifetimes, he courageously took the higher road. On his tombstone is etched: A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives. Defeated Presidential candidate Bob Dole had something strikingly similar to say: When it's all over, it's not who you were, what you did or how much money you had. It's whether you touched anyone and made a difference. What timely message is Bob Dole, and the late Mother Teresa, and Jackie Robinson sharing with us? It's clearly the voice of Jesus Christ, the heart of the gospel, and the teaching of the Catholic Church to love God with all our heart, and to love our neighbors as our selves!

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