As we celebrate Mother’s Day, our gospel reading speaks to the importance of love. Shortly before his ascension, Jesus promises to send us the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, to be with us always, loving and guiding us as we journey through life.
As he prepares to depart from his disciples, Jesus reminds them, which includes you and me, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus is not speaking of an emotion, but rather, he uses love as a verb. It’s a call to action, an invitation to love and to allow ourselves to experience and enjoy being loved, not only by God, but by one another. Keeping Jesus’ commandments means putting love into action in our thoughts, words, and deeds.
As children, we first learn to be loved by our parents, especially our mothers. A mother’s love in many ways mirrors God’s love for us. Unfortunately, not every child has loving parents to teach him or her the importance of being loved and how to love unconditionally. That is why it is so important for us to be that loving presence in the lives of one another. We are called to be loving and compassionate, especially to those who may not regularly experience love from others.
I am so grateful for having been blessed with a loving mother, grandmother, aunts, sister, and teachers. I was fortunate to be surrounded by loving women (and men) who taught me how to be a good person, how to love God and others, and who gave me the freedom to experience the joy of being loved and valued. I pray that each of us has the grace to be a loving presence in the lives of others.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and to the countless women and men who take on the role of a mother by teaching, comforting, and welcoming children and people in need.
May God bless you and your loved ones today, tomorrow, and forevermore.