Simple path.

On the verge of the 21st century, there could be no better spiritual message than Mother Teresa's. A simple path includes the voices of Mother Teresa, her sisters and brothers of the Missionaries of Charity and their voluntary workers around the world.

Modern day consumerism overlooks an ever-growing vacuum in people, who need to be loved. My spirit was uplifted to read of a growing work of `love in action' around the world. The book is filled with stories of compassionate service to the poor and dying, to Aids victims, battered women, prostitutes, the homeless and orphans. `People with Aids,' Mother Teresa remarks, `have awakened the tender love in those who have perhaps shut it out and forgotten it.'

The experiences recounted inspire the reader to want to do something, however small, especially for the poor. The book takes the reader through six essential steps: silence, prayer, faith, love, service and peace. Mother Teresa says we must take time to be silent and to contemplate. She writes: `We decided to open our first home for contemplative sisters in New York instead of the Himalayas because I felt silence and contemplation were needed more in the cities of the world.'

For Mother Teresa there is only one God and he is God to all, and therefore everyone is equal before God. Whether in Calcutta or London, the Bronx or Cocorote, the sisters and brothers do not preach religion but simply show their faith through their dedication. Mother Teresa believes, `We should help a Hindu become a better Hindu, a Muslim become a better Muslim, a Catholic become a better Catholic.'

A touching narrative, which could easily be misinterpreted, is of a beggar in India who wanted to give to Mother Teresa. He had received only 29 paise (less than a penny) for the whole day. Knowing he might have nothing to eat that night but not wanting to hurt him, Mother Teresa accepted the money. `I have never seen such joy on anybody's face... it was beautiful,' writes Mother Teresa. `Twenty-nine paise is such a small amount... but it became like thousands because it was given with so much love.'

Mother Teresa's life and philosophy are a catching force, fanning out in everincreasing circles and changing the mental furniture and make-up of the many who are quoted in the book. A simple path covers fundamental issues--happiness, fear, compassion, family relationships and death. By contemplating and reflecting on the thoughts in the book, and putting them into practice, we too can become effective channels of love. Everyone can find their simple path, suggests Mother Teresa. As we offer small acts of love to others we will find our hearts will open: `A joyful heart is the result of the heart burning with love.'