Letter from the Pastor
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May 14, 2023How many of us were told by our fathers on this day, “Whatever you do today, don’t upset your mother”, or “Don’t make her yell at you today.” Happy Mother’s Day!
Some 113 million cards are sent throughout our country to thank the Moms who gave us life, faith and love. We Catholics have been celebrating a sort of Mother's Day since the first few centuries of the Church. The fourth Sunday of Lent, or Laetare Sunday, traditionally was a time to return to your “mother church”, or church of your baptism and visit and leave an offering. Also known as Mothering Sunday, it naturally evolved into honoring our natural mother as well. And devotion to Mary, the Mother of God and our spiritual mother, in the month of May gives this holiday a greater meaning beyond just giving Hallmark cards.
Today we offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for our mom, grandma, a favorite aunt, a teacher, or a friend, the women in our lives who have loved, shaped and defined who we are and who we have become.
It is very important, on many different levels, to celebrate these days, to applaud special people in our life. Our Moms hold a special place in our life. Our Moms knew us nine months before anyone else. The bond between child and mother is a marvel, starting with the exchange of cells between the two. Child and mother are always connected.
Beside the physical union, the mother’s psychological and emotional state helps to determine our base personalities as well. Studies suggest mothers who experience a calm, restful pregnancy tend to have calmer babies. Those exposed to elevated levels of stress hormones during their pregnancies have babies who are more anxious. Mothers play a key role in helping to determine who we will become in life. Also, children who were loved, nurtured, encouraged, and spent their formative years in a safe and secure environment grew up to be healthy, well-adjusted, confident adults. Our ability to connect with the world around us begins with our connection to Mom. Of course, it isn’t just our connection to our Mom that determines who we are. Many other factors, including our own free will and the choices we freely make. But it starts with our Mom. They comfort us, encourage us, care for us, and provide for us in more ways than most of us can possibly name. In doing so they help to teach us what it means to be a strong, caring force of love and support for those around us.
And then there are other mother figures in our life who teach us as well. They help us to look beyond ourselves to the world around us. The maternal figures in our lives, those who traditionally provide care and nurturing as we grow, help to give us confidence and trust in God. And, if we are fortunate, it is the mother figure who teaches us how to do the same for others. Celebrating Mother's Day allows us to reflect on that unique sacrificial love of a mother. A mother gives all she has, physically, mentally, spiritually to her children. Her life is a life of a giving love, a life of sacrifice, a way of selfless giving. Our Lord knew the special love of a mother. As He was dying upon the Cross for our salvation, as He showed the depth of His sacrificial love, He gave to us His own Blessed Mother.
For those whose Moms and Grandmothers are still alive - cherish them today. Hug and kiss them. Honor and thank them. For those whose mothers have gone home to God, remember them at Mass. As we honor our earthly mothers we also honor our Heavenly Mother today. Her maternal care for her Divine Son embraces all those who are joined to Him through Baptism.
Finally, we are also thankful for the great mystery and gift of the Church as our Mother.
Happy Mother’s Day and Thank You!
