Mother Teresa of Calcutta wrote the phrase "Be the one" to encourage people to love God by loving others. "If I look at the mass, I will never act. If I look at the one, I will". 

We live in a culture that idolizes productivity, efficiency and independence, often measuring a person by what he or she can do. In the Gospels Jesus always drew close to those who had a disability or were ill. Every person is a wonder of God’s creation, reflects God himself and has been created for eternal life with Him.

Use these books to spark a conversation with the students.

Read: Tom’s Special Talent by Kate Gaynor. Ask them; How can you “Be the one”? Can you place yourself in Tom’s shoes? Do you know what is your talent? Be a detective and discover the talent of someone you hardly know in your class.

Read: Each Kindness by Jaqueline Woodson

Can you place yourself in Maya’s shoes? Can you think of a time you have been unkind to someone or someone has been unkind to you. How did it make you feel? How did Chloe change from the beginning of the story to the end of the story? What does this story teach you about how to treat other people in your life?

Have students make a resolution maybe they can write a prayer asking God for help; to include others, to respect and appreciate the dignity of those who learn differently, look different, talk different etc…to love God by loving others.

Additional activity to help them understand this concept:

Place students in groups of three, the students are not allowed to talk, blindfold one of them, one has his/her hands tied behind, he can face forward, the third student should walk backwards (not the blindfolded). Make a safe and not to long obstacle course. Watch as they try to make it through to the finish line. How do they cooperate, help each other, include each of their “talents”?