Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The Church looks at the family as the smallest unit of “church”. It often refers to the family as the Domestic Church in its writings and documents. This isn’t some rhetorical flourish or fancy title for family life, but rather a recognition of the role the family plays in the life of faith. But it also signifies the way in which the Church looks at itself as well, seeing familial bonds as being at the very core of what she is. And with the celebration of Mother’s Day this weekend, it’s worth exploring that idea a bit more.
Motherhood is a vast and wide experience. Yes, we can think of it in traditional terms, within the family and principally concerned with the raising of children. But many women also experience motherhood in other ways, or at least certain aspects of it. To show care and concern for young people, to sacrifice for the wellbeing of others, to be a nurturing presence in a world that can be cruel and hostile; all these and many other instances of things showcase the maternal drive that many women get to experience. And motherhood is not always purely linear. Motherhood can be biological, adopted, spiritual, and many others. There are those right now who are expecting the arrival of a child, those enjoying life with young children, those with adult children, even those that have lost a child; these are all aspects of motherhood.
It’s interesting to note, especially as we look at our lives of faith, that the Church often makes reference to herself as Holy Mother Church. It’s a little bit of an older term perhaps, but still relevant when we think of the role of the Church in the lives of the faithful. And just as many women experience the myriad aspects of motherhood for themselves, so too does the Church for her children. At times, the Church nurtures and guards those who are need of love and healing from the challenges of life. At times, the Church teaches and guides those who are lost and in need of learning the truth, even if it is hard to hear for them. But always, the Church wants the best for her children, being a constant source of love to help them succeed in their lives of faith.
And so, all of us, regardless of our personal experience of motherhood in life, have the opportunity to know maternal love through the goodness of the Church. And in that, I hope that we might all know and excel in the faith because of it. My sincere hope and prayer is that all the mothers of our parish might be celebrated for all that they have done, are doing, and will do for their loved ones in the days ahead. A Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms! And may we all experience the joy of being loved as children, of the Church, of our families, of wherever we find love.
Peace and Goodness,
Fr. Dan
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