My mother had a wall hanging that said “God could not be everywhere, so He made mothers”. Maybe not theologically correct but it does give life to the words of Jesus to His Father in today’s Gospel “…that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.” Mother, Grandmother, God-mother and all those who give a mother’s love. Who have “patience to put up with pettiness, mercy to forgive mistakes, wisdom to overcome weakness, strength to survive difficulties, humor to lighten heavy loads…” Sounds divine doesn’t it.
And Mother Church –“The Church has lighted my way. Instead of struggling through a wilderness I have a road-a road to virtue and truth…In one word, she has taught me how to seek God.” And in the words of the Gospel- “…so that they may be one, that the world may know that You sent me.”
“…that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them”.
And Mother Earth- so much she has given to us . Your celebration of Earth Day- was it one of great gratitude? Was it one of commitment to Mother Earth who needs us now? … for future generations.
And Mother Earth keeps giving “…that the love with which you loved me may be in them and I in them.”
A love that keeps giving:
‘…the Sun bringing you new energy by day.
…the Moon softly restoring you by night.
…the Rain washing away your worries.
…the Breeze blowing new strength into your being…’
This year of Mercy- a blessed time to allow this Divine Love to be in us. A love that is beyond judgement, beyond our own energies, beyond our feelings and mindsets. A love that says “ Lord, do not hold this sin against them”. A love that says as Jesus does “I will not leave you orphans. I will come back to you, and your hearts will rejoice.” Time to receive the Ascension blessing “…but stay until you are clothed with power from on high…and Jesus blessed them…” Sr. Jo-Anne Faillace,OP