“Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus.”
- August 26, 1910 – September 5, 1997
- Albanian
- Catholic nun and saint
- Founded the Missionaries of Charity in Calcutta, India, and won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in supporting the poor, sick, and orphans
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Quote
“Many people mistake our work for our vocation. Our vocation is the love of Jesus.”
Explanation
In this quote, Mother Teresa distinguishes between the work we do and our true calling or vocation. She emphasizes that while the tasks we perform—whether in service, career, or daily life—are important, they should not be confused with the deeper vocation that transcends all actions. For Mother Teresa, the true vocation is the love of Jesus, which is the foundation and driving force behind everything she did. She believed that no matter the work, it was the love of Christ that infused it with meaning and purpose, transforming ordinary acts into acts of divine service.
Mother Teresa’s own life was an embodiment of this belief. She dedicated herself to helping the poor, the sick, and the dying, yet she consistently reminded others that her work was not just a duty but an expression of her deep love for Jesus. For her, her vocation was to live out the teachings of Jesus by loving and serving others, and it was this love that gave her the strength to endure the immense challenges she faced.
In today’s world, this quote invites us to reflect on the deeper motivations behind our actions. While work and accomplishments are important, we must not lose sight of the larger purpose—whether it’s love, faith, or a sense of calling—that gives our lives meaning. For example, someone working in a healthcare or charity setting may see their profession as a way to embody love and compassion, drawing strength from their personal sense of purpose or faith. When we recognize our actions as an expression of something greater, we can bring a deeper sense of fulfillment and passion to all that we do.
