This Sunday I will reflect not only on the readings and profound teachings of the Word, but also the impact being a mum has had on my life as we celebrate Mother’s Day.
To begin, my thoughts on our readings: At the time of Jesus there was a firm divide between the North and South of Israel. Jerusalem in the south was the seat of Jewish faith and Mount Gerizim was the holy temple for the Samaritans of the North. The first reading this week brings us back to Samaria.
The disciples continue to spread the Word and Church beyond Jerusalem, even to the upper reaches of Israel. During his ministry, Jesus had a unique approach to Samaritans, seen when he spoke to the Samaritan woman at the well and also through the Parable of the Good Samaritan. We now come to this week’s account of Philip proclaiming the gospel to the people of Samaria and the positive reception he received when there. Peter and John also visit Samaria to lay hands on the new Samaritan believers who receive the Holy Spirit.
This outreach of Jesus, the disciples, and early Christian church to the people of Samaria emphasize the message of inclusion and call for reconciliation. There is a breaking down of ethnic and religious barriers and a reminder of the universal nature of God’s love. In a world full of such turmoil and hatred towards one another, this passage reminds us to put our differences aside and break down the boundaries and walls we put up. We just might form everlasting connections and a movement for peace and change.
The second reading from the first letter of St. Peter offers advice to those in the early church who were being persecuted in Jesus’ name. Imagine how scary it must have been being a follower of Jesus and in those early days fearing for their own life. Hearing those encouraging words from the leaders of the infant church to stand firm and put their faith in God must have worked as the church continues to spread far and wide even now. We are invited to cast all our concerns and issues upon the Lord because he cares for us and in turn, we will find our true home in his eternal glory.
Our gospel from John involves a personal and powerful prayer Jesus offers up to the Father. The prayer tells us so much about who God is in Jesus Christ. He prays for God to glorify him as he is soon to fulfil the ultimate sacrifice through the passion. He also prays for us and for his disciples. He prays for God’s presence in the world for us, for us to know each other and know God. Eternal life is promised to believers, those who have listened to the teachings of Jesus, experienced the miracles as part of his ministry and who now have come to know and believe in God. This reading highlights the divine mission of Jesus, the relational nature of eternal life, and the spiritual responsibility of his followers.
As the sun comes up on another mother’s day, my 20th mother’s day in fact, I cannot help but feel blessed. My life changed forever when my son came into the world, my world shifted even more four years ago when my daughter was born. Motherhood for me is about being courageous and firm, being caring and supportive, being the words of reason and the words of praise. This year has been one of allowing God to take the lead in my life. I am a better mother by allowing Jesus, the Holy Spirit and God to have more of a presence in my life. As I conclude, let me offer up this final prayer:
I pray that on this Mother’s Day, we can all learn from the early disciples and be courageous and inclusive. To my fellow mothers, mothers-to-be, stepmothers, mothers who have lost, mothers young and old: trust in your love for Christ. Every sleepless night, every knee graze, every late-night phone call shows our eternal dedication and persistence for our children, here and at eternal rest. May our Holy Mother watch over and guide us on this joyous celebration day for our mothers. Amen
