"Each one of them is Jesus in disguise"

Mother Teresa’s statement, “Each one of them is Jesus in disguise,” calls for a profound transformation in how we perceive and treat others, especially the poor, vulnerable, and marginalized. She expresses a core belief rooted in the Christian tradition: the presence of the divine within every human being. This insight flows from the words of Jesus, who taught that any act of kindness shown to the “least of these” is, in fact, offered to him. For Mother Teresa, this was not merely a metaphor or theological abstraction but a radical way of life. She saw everyone—not just those who were pleasant, grateful, or familiar, but above all, the abandoned, destitute, sick, and suffering—as bearers of dignity and worth beyond measure.

Her words urge us to approach people with reverence and recognize their inherent sacredness, regardless of outward appearance, social status, or circumstances. Such a view demands overcoming prejudices and fears; it insists that love must be practical, embodied through acts of care, respect, and presence. This perspective challenges our typical patterns of indifference or judgment, inviting us to search for holiness in the most overlooked people and places. It encourages an attentiveness to the needs and sufferings of others, and a willingness to foster empathy, compassion, and genuine solidarity.

By imagining that every person is “Jesus in disguise,” we acknowledge that our smallest gestures—smiles, kind words, a listening ear, the offer of food or shelter—carry infinite value. Our encounters with one another become opportunities for spiritual connection and transformation. In essence, the statement invites us to broaden our understanding of love, to see service not as duty or charity but as communion. It is a vision that calls forth selfless action, humility, and awe, reminding us that each human life—no matter how hidden or unremarkable—bears the face of the divine.