Mary, Mother of the Church

 - May 6, 2015

 

So much is happening in our community! Liturgically, it is the sixth Sunday of Easter, and our readings are rich with the promise of Pentecost. We see the Holy Spirit descending upon Cornelius and his family, confirming the mission of the apostles to “all the nations”; and Jesus teaches his disciples a “new” commandment, inviting them to “love one another, just as I have loved you.” This weekend, we joyfully welcome 24 children to the Lord’s table as they celebrate their First Holy Communion. And last but not least, Monsignor Frank Leo will be here next Saturday to bestow the Sacrament of Confirmation on 38 young members of this parish – a bumper crop! – invoking upon them the full power of the Spirit’s gifts.

Today is also Mothers’ Day! Jesus speaks in today’s Gospel about the demands of love. How can we love as Jesus loves? Jesus invites us to show our love by living in harmony with God’s commandments, by accepting his invitation to a deep and personal friendship, by bearing the fruits of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and by being willing, as he did, to lay down our lives each day for those we love. For many of us, this lesson of love has been modelled for us by our mothers.

So on this Mother’s Day, let us be thankful for the gift of our own mothers: those still living, and those now resting in the arms of God. So often, they gave up their own opportunity to shine and dedicated themselves to the care and nurture of their children. Let us pray for all mothers: may they receive the gratitude of their children, due recognition from society for the important and irreplaceable work they do, and an eternal reward from the Lord for their labours of love. And let us remember those who, though not mothers in the biological sense, generously nurture and bless the younger generation as teachers, mentors, caregivers, and spiritual guides. Happy Mothers’ Day!

There is but one and only one, whose love will fail you never.
One who lives from sun to sun, with constant fond endeavour.
There is but one and only one: on earth there is no other.
In heaven a noble work was done, when God gave us a Mother.