Some words of encouragement on a 'troubling' Mother's Day

Mother’s Day.  In ‘normal’ years, it’s the most popular day for the restaurant industry, the flower stores and in the memory departments of most of us.  Graduates refer to their schools as their “Alma Mater” which literally means “Nourishing Mother”.  Religious orders refer to their foundation buildings as “Mother Houses”.  Miners hitting a large strike of ore would call that hitting the “Mother Load”.  We refer to this planet we all inhabit as “Mother Earth”.  There is something precious, like gold, nourishing, sustaining and stable about the vocation of being a mother.

As we prepare today to remember our mothers and journey toward the celebration, as well, of the Eucharist (although for many of us still, it will be a ‘spiritual communion’), we might reflect on how we relate to God not only as our Father, but often as a Mother; stable, precious, tender, the Source of All the Living.  In most families we learned of God, not through theology, or catechism, but through a gentle force which picked us up, sat us down, rolled us over, let us go and brought us back. We can pray with the memories of how our mothers brought us to life and played their part in bringing God to life for us as well. 

There were several times in my childhood when I was so frightened at the prospect of death that I would wind up crying in my mom’s arms asking, “Does everyone die?  Am I going to die?”  The answer she would give me always comforted me.  “Yes, but Jesus promises us then we go to Heaven.  So don’t worry!”  As I got older, her responses got deeper in theology and meaning, but that first time will stay with me forever.

In my reflection on the Gospel today, it seems that Jesus, too, learned a lesson or two from His mother.  He affords protection and calm to His followers.  His mother, Mary, offers protection and peace.  My hope is that we can all experience times of peace as we renew trust in the words of Jesus and His mother during this turbulent time.

Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”  (John 14:1-12)

I have found these last 8 weeks or so to be full of challenges.  I’ve heard criticism of many decision makers and I’ve heard critics who maintain that this is all a hoax.  People are unkind to each other over decisions that are made without remembering that this is a novel situation.  Nobody alive today has encountered a global pandemic.  The last one of this magnitude was over 100 years ago!

I’ve had to be very intentional about remaining positive, graceful, and hopeful.  The one thing that I’ve leaned on the most is my faith.  I’m continually practicing gratitude and at night I tell myself to “Give it to God and go to sleep.”  I pray the rosary frequently because it really helps me manage the anxiety that can come with the unknown.  I find comfort in knowing that Mary asks that we pray the rosary for peace.  I need some peace as I witness the current chaos around me.

So, I urge us all to take some time and remember Jesus’ words: “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” I suggest we really think about these words.  Trust in God’s love for us.  Try to give it to God and go to sleep.