Mother’s Day
Reflection
The essence of motherhood is found in the heart of God. It is the selfless giving of oneself in order to bring forth, nurture and sustain the life of another. There is an unconditional quality to the love of a true mother. She makes space in her own life to take in another, to love and to teach her child but without domination. She is a harbor of safety and unceasing welcome. Her love continues to surround her adult children but, when the time comes, she sets them free. We see this not only in the human family but throughout nature. It is evident not only in human mothers but also in other species. They are mothers all and the creative, faithful love of the God who delights in sustaining life is reflected through them.
Prayer
I thank you, God, for the gift of my mother.
Action
Today let your mother know of your gratitude and love for all she is in your life. If she is no longer alive, reflect on her love and influence in your life and give thanks.
Suggested Reading
As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you
Isaiah 66:13
Whenever a woman is in labor, she has pain, because her hour has come; but when she gives birth to the child, she no longer remembers the anguish because of the joy that a child has been born into the world.
John 16:21
Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.
Luke 2:51
To be a mother is a great treasure. Mothers, in their unconditional and sacrificial love for their children, are the antidote to individualism; they are the greatest enemies against war.
Pope Francis
Mother’s Day is the call to all of us to remember those—both women and men—who have “mothered” us in life and then be conscious of our call to mother those around us, as well.
Joan Chittister, OSB
This is the most extraordinary thing about motherhood – finding a piece of yourself separate and apart that all the same you could not live without.
Jodi Picoult
Mother is a verb. It’s something you do. Not just who you are.
Dorothy Canfield Fisher
The natural state of motherhood is unselfishness.
Jessica Lange
The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new.
Rajneesh
Being a mother means having my heart permanently stitched to my sleeve, out there and vulnerable and afraid, yet somehow finding such fulfillment and hope that I’m able to appreciate the extraordinary journey. Though it is maddening, terrifying at times, it is also glorious and beautiful; and the most absurd part is that I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Stephanie Jankowski
When you are a mother, you are never really alone in your thoughts. A mother always has to think twice, once for herself and once for her child.
Sophia Loren
A mother’s arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.
Victor Hugo
Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.
Barbara Kingsolver
I am sure that if the mothers of various nations could meet, there would be no more wars.
E. M. Forster
Motherhood is the biggest gamble in the world. It is the glorious life force. It’s huge and scary—it’s an act of infinite optimism.
Gilda Radner