We celebrate Mothers this weekend. I hope we celebrate them every day because of the life they have brought into the world and the life that they continue to nurture. The Gospel of John gives us an interesting way of looking at motherhood. In the wedding Feast at Cana story, Jesus’ mother Mary is introduced in a way that she is referred to throughout the Gospel. Her title is “The Mother of Jesus.” This title continues to underscore her role in salvation history. As the story progresses and the shortage of wine problem is presented to him, Jesus refers to her as ‘woman.’ He also refers to Mary Magdala at the tomb on the first Easter morning with the same term. I often say that the word seems a bit harsh to us who speak English, then I share a fact that we English speakers take for granted: Jesus didn’t speak English, he spoke Aramaic. In that language, the best translation of ‘woman’ is ‘source of life.’
As we honor, celebrate and treat our Mothers to breakfast, lunch, brunch or dinner this weekend, let’s let that gesture be a one day tribute to these women who are a ‘source of life’ every day. We don’t know if Mary Magdala was a mother or not, but Jesus addressing her as ‘woman’ may motivate us to acknowledge and celebrate the women of our worlds, and the great big world out there, who are not mothers, but are such powerful sources of life in so many other ways.
In my many years of church ministry and some in the corporate world, I have been deeply moved by the commitment, talent, compassion, strength and grace that countless women have brought to the world. I believe that being a mother is THE definition of a full time vocation. We welcome several lay reflections during Mass this weekend as a tribute to many of them. I once again thank and honor the countless women, some mothers, some not, who make Holy Family a holier place because of the ‘source of life’ that they are.
It is also First Communion season. We congratulate 128 youngsters from our Academy and our Family Faith ministering communities who received First Communion the past two weekends. We are grateful for the faith that their teachers and catechists have shared with them in the process of preparing for this sacrament. We thank their parents and encourage them to continue sharing the sacredness of the Eucharist with their children on a regular basis. We thank our Liturgical Life and Music ministries for their support in celebrating these, and all the sacraments of our church, in such a vibrant and inspiring way. We are Holy Family and we are in this together.
Our first reading this weekend from the Acts of the Apostles tells us of the formation of the office of Deacon. As you may or may not know, Deacons were the cornerstone of the early Christian communities. They were entrusted with organizing the servant model of leadership for the early celebrations of the Eucharist. Bishops would travel from community to community and presbyters (priests) were not as prevalent as either Deacons or Bishops.
As we hear of the origins of the Deaconate, it is an opportunity for me to thank our two Deacon couples, Bob and Mary Anstiss who have served here at Holy Family from the very start and are now retired; and our new Deacon couple, Dennis and Marge Brown.
Our Gospel from John tells us of a very human interaction between Jesus and Thomas. Jesus promises them, and us, that he has prepared a place for us and we know both where he is going and the way to get there. Thomas speaks for the human condition, and perhaps our feelings periodically: “Lord we don’t know where you are going, how can we know the way?”
Jesus responds that he is the Way, the Truth and the Life. I often encourage people gathered for a funeral when this passage is selected by the family, to take some significant time reflecting on these words – The Way, The Truth and The Life – not only for the life of the deceased, but for their life – for your life.
What has been your way? Reflect on the joys and sorrows of your faith journey. Where have you lived? What have you learned from the journey? What is the truth of your life? Perhaps better put – What truths have you come to embrace and believe in? What truth needs to unfold in your life? What is the life for you? What life have you shared? What has brought you joy, or life, or adventure? Who has brought life to you, and to whom have you given life? Perhaps you could honor your mom by sharing how she has shared the way, truth and life with you and your family.
Once again on this Mother’s Day, we have an opportunity to support Catholic Charities of Chicago and the great works of compassion that they do for so many. You may have received an envelope in the mail. There are also envelopes available in the Narthex. You may take an envelope home and place your donation in next week’s collection. Thanks for being generous to an organization that is generous to so many in need.
We invite all families of children baptized in the past year to attend 11:00am Mass next Sunday, May 21. Please contact the Liturgical Life Office if you plan on attending.