A Legendary Hero: Mother Teresa - Term Paper Example

Mother Theresa The definition of a hero ranges throughout time as the earliest people defined this term as mythological figures who descended to earth from the heavens to perform great acts with their divine gifts such as strength and courage. These types of heroes can be seen in early Greek and Roman stories. Typically, these legendary heroes are depicted as strong in battle, extremely attractive, having strong leadership qualities and for these reasons were respected and revered by many. Sometimes these heroes overcame great odds to win but would be too modest to brag or boast about their accomplishments. Their wit, cleverness, intelligence allowed them to outsmart their enemies even when strength alone was not enough. These traits are all respectable making it impossible not to respect these individuals. Often, these heroes were believed to be gods, demigods or specially favored by the gods to be given these traits. In other words, these characteristics were exceptional and not something just anyone could possess. Heroism would be considered a gift. However, these legendary heroes are the kinds found in stories and tales. The types of heroes are considered mythical in the 21st century and no one would expect anyone with such characteristics to exist. In modern terms, heroes have some of these qualities, but few would have them all. Few would be considered divinely appointed. Today, heroes are considered those who put their lives on the lines for others such as policeman, firefighters and rescue workers. Others see heroes as those who give of themselves. This might not be a life threatening situation but are still acts that make a difference in one’s life. These heroes might be teachers, coaches or even foster parents. In this more modern view of heroism, anyone can be a hero. However, there are still those who seem to display supernatural heroism that transcend the definition of the modern hero and seem more like the traditional legendary hero. Mother Theresa is an example of such a person as she dedicated her entire life to helping others even under the most unlikely conditions. Though she can be considered a hero in today’s terms in the sense that she gave of herself for others above and beyond what would be expected of anyone, she also presents some of the traits of the more traditional legendary heroes. There is little doubt that her heroism is also divinely inspired. In ancient myths, these legendary heroes were believed to transcend from the heavens or actually be gods themselves. In some ways Mother Theresa has this divine like quality as at the age of twelve, she felt God call her to become a missionary to spread the love of Jesus to the world. This calling was no doubt influenced and encouraged by the teaching of her own mother who taught her to put God first in everything. At age 18 eighteen, she left her childhood home in Skopje to join with the Sisters of Loreto who were an order of nuns performing missions work in India. She was with them for only a few months and given some basic training when she was sent to India as well. She took her initial vows to become a nun on May 24, 1931 and then taught at St. Marys High School in Calcutta, India during the years 1931 to 1948. During this time in India she witnessed extreme poverty and suffering. This had such an impact on her and her emotions that she felt compelled to request permission to leave the convent and rededicated her vision and devoted her time and life to working with the poorest citizens Calcutta even though she herself had no personal money or access to funds. This did not stop her from starting a school for the poor children who would otherwise not be able to attend a school. Mother Theresa attended to those suffering people when no one else would, providing an example of her heroism in seeing and attending to the needs of others without concern or consideration of her own wants and needs. God appeared to be on her side providing volunteers to work and teach in the school and others who offered financial support giving her opportunity to continue her work. Against all odds, she succeeded. This alone is heroic but her story does not end here. It is also notable that she opened her arms to everyone. As Spink notes, “Her dedication moved both the materially poor and the powerful irrespective of race or religious creed.” (Spink, 1997 p. viii). She felt the need to serve God further and eventually received permission to start her own order known as the Missions of Charity. It is important to note that she felt God’s will was more important that anything. When asked about her family and life, Spinks states that Mother Theresa’s reply was, “It is not important now. The important thing is to follow God’s way, the way he leads us to do something beautiful for him.” (Spink, 1997 p.3). For her, her own life was not as important as the work she was meant to do. This outlook is an excellent example of the heroic notion of putting the needs of other’s first. Their primary goal and focus in this order followed her vision to unconditionally love and care for those who had no one else to look after them such as orphans and even widowed women who had no source of income and nowhere to live. It is also amazing that she never felt any job was beneath her if it was serving the needs of others. Spink speaks of this stating “So poverty stricken were the conditions in which she found herself teaching that she was obliged to begin lessons by rolling up the sleeves of her habit, finding water and a broom and sweeping the floor.” (Spink, 1997 p. 17). This act amazed the children around her as it was custom in their culture for only the lowest of people to take on such menial tasks. Even today, long after her death, this order is still in existence providing assistance for those who face poverty, epidemics, floods, famine or any other source of devastation causing them to become refugees. For many, this is their only opportunity for help. Many would consider this a true act of heroism as someone who had little herself thought more of others and had so much concern for those who had even less not worrying about herself at all. These actions demonstrate the qualities of heroism defined both in the more traditional sense and even the modern sense. Many have recognized her selfless acts. Throughout the entire world, Mother Teresas work and acts of love have been recognized and appreciated. In several instances she has been awarded for her efforts. For example, she was awarded the Peace Prize in the year of 1971 by Pope John XXIII. She was later awarded the Nehru Prize in 1972 in the recognition of her pursuit for international peace. Pope John Paul the second spoke of her and in doing so provides a strong definition of what heroism truly is in the modern world. Travelling tirelessly the paths of the entire world, Mother Theresa has marked the history of our century: she defined life bravely; she served all human beings, always promoting their dignity and respect; she made the ‘losers of life’ feel the tenderness of God, the loving Father of all His creatures. She bore witness to the Gospel of charity, which is nourished by the free giving of the self until death…. May her shining example of charity serve as a consolation and a catalyst for her spiritual family, for the church, and for all humanity. (Mother Theresa of Calcutta Center). Mother Teresa died on September 5, 1997 in her convent in India at the advanced age of 87 after a long commitment of life doing God’s work. These selfless acts are certainly heroic and she is often depicted as a saint. Many consider her a saint and pray to follow in her footsteps. “May we follow her example in heeding Your cry of thirst from the Cross and joyfully loving You in the distressing disguise of the poorest of the poor, especially those most unloved and unwanted.” (Mother Theresa of Calcutta Center). However, it is not just these actions that should be considered but also the impact she has had on millions around the world. Heroes are not only measured by what they do, but the impact they have. References Mother Theresa of Calcutta Center. Retrieved from http://www.motherteresa.org/layout.html. Spink, Kathryne. (1997). Mother Theresa: A Complete Authorized Biography. New York, NY: Harper Collins. Read More