This Sunday is Mother’s Day and we are invited to remember and honor our mothers in a special way. We can reflect on how much they do for their families and the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their spouse and children. As often noted, mothers do many ordinary things and they do them extraordinarily well. Primarily through their teaching and their example, they also play an essential role in passing down our faith to their children.
Pope Francis has great respect for the vocation of motherhood. During an address in Rome, as reported in the publication “For Your Marriage”, Pope Francis specifically reflected on a mother’s demanding role in raising a child. He stated that a mother “does not always take the child along the safe road, because in that way the child cannot develop, but neither does she leave the child only on the risky path because that is dangerous.” He noted that a mother “knows how to balance things” as she cares for her child with love and affection. Our Holy Father also indicated that mothers assist their children in making decisions that may help lead them to a fruitful life.
The following prayer from the “Book of Blessings” asks God to bless mothers who will be attending Mass on Mother’s Day:
Loving God, as a mother gives life and nourishment to her children,
so you watch over your Church.
Bless these women,
that they may be strengthened as Christian mothers.
Let the example of their faith and love shine forth.
Grant that we,
their sons and daughters may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.
Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, we are invited to give thanks to our mothers for the many sacrifices they make on behalf of their families, especially in these difficult and uncertain times as we strive to cope with the sustained impact of the COVID-19 virus. We can thank them for all that they do, and for the example they set for us. We may continue to honor them primarily by obeying them in our younger years, and by graciously taking care of them in their advancing years. It is also appropriate to thank them for all the spiritual guidance they have provided to us. In addition, we can also remember those mothers who have died, but still have a special place in our hearts.
On behalf of the clergy, staff, and parishioners of Saint Brigid, we wish all mothers a happy, healthy, and holy Mother’s Day. We hope they enjoy their special day.