premium website buildersIn the Catholic tradition, the Month of May has been dedicated as the month of Mary. It’s a month resplendent with celebrations of Mary’s crowning and recognition of her role in being co-redemptorist with her son Jesus Christ. Statues of our Blessed Mother across the world are adorned with coronas of flowers and Marian hymns are sung in honor of her loving acceptance of God’s will. The powerful recitation of the rosary is prayed daily as a reminder that “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life.” (Jn 3:16) We especially meditate on the mystery of the incarnation where Mary accepts God’s Salvific Mission to become the “Theotokos” which is translated as “God-bearer” or more common “Mother of God.”
If the Month of May is dedicated to Mary, then it is also a fitting time to celebrate Mother’s Day. On Mother’s Day, we not only recognize and give thanks to Mary as our Mother, but we recognize her as the role model, par excellence, for all Mothers. Even though the Bible does not go into details about how Mary and Joseph raised Jesus, it does give us enough details to have a glimpse into the joys and sorrows of raising the Son of God by her example of trust.
During these unprecedented times of the COVID-19 Shelter-in-Place Pandemic, where many are losing trust and hope, Mary gives us the amazing example of putting complete trust in God. Even though Mary was immaculately conceived, there was no way that she could have anticipated everything that was going to happen to her and her Son. She put her trust in God from the joyful moment of saying “Yes” as she conceived of the Holy Spirit and gave birth to Jesus. She put complete trust in God as her Son began the lifegiving public ministry of redemption. She put complete trust in God as she watched them nail her son to the cross and later held his lifeless body in her arms. She put complete trust in God’s promise of the resurrection as they laid her son in the tomb. Her trust in God payed off as Mary’s Faith and Love were rewarded by the Joy of the Resurrection!
Mary is a great example of that unconditional love that Moms have for their children! Today, on Mother’s Day, I wish to extend a special blessing and gratitude to all Mom’s for your unconditional love with a Mother’s Day Blessing:
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.
We thank you for the gift of all mothers, living and deceased, may they be surrounded by your love and peace in a special way today.
Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect.
Almighty God has brought you the gift of motherhood: may he continue to bless + you through Christ our Lord.
R. Amen.
Mother’s Day Blessings,
Fr. John Poncini