Sunday, May 13, 2007I was never a dog lover before. But when a puppy (a pug) was offered to me for the price of the shots and examination by a vet, I welcomed her with open arms. At first, I did not allow her to enter my living room. Within a couple of weeks, however, I allowed her to come into the kitchen, then anywhere on the first floor, then I allowed her to go upstairs into the bed rooms, and finally it could sleep in my bed.
That dog went with me on vacations, for any ride in the car, and it would always be with me as I walk around or jogged. She was very protective of me, not letting any animal including birds and airplanes to penetrate the patio or air space. Her love for me was unconditional and she gave and gave until she was physically unable to give anymore of the kind of give-and-receive love that Jesus is calling us to. I cried when she died.
Jesus tells us to love one another. That's what it's all about, isn't it? We are to love, we are to be concerned, we are to care for one another not only in thought but in deed. “Such as my love has been for you, so must your love be for one another.”
Our Mom was probably the first person to show us a picture of God's love for us. For her child, Mom is God – the ‘source of life and goodness ... from whom all good things come.’
When you got into trouble – smashed a neighbor's window, dented the family car, brought home the less-than-stellar report card – who did you tell first, Mom or Dad? Most of us told Mom first. After all, Moms are famous for cutting slack – slack that's an everyday word for what theologians call grace. Grace is exactly that – love you don't earn. In a mother's love, God reveals his gift of grace.
When you got into trouble – smashed a neighbor's window, dented the family car, brought home the less-than-stellar report card – who did you tell first, Mom or Dad? Most of us told Mom first. After all, Moms are famous for cutting slack – slack that's an everyday word for what theologians call grace. Grace is exactly that – love you don't earn. In a mother's love, God reveals his gift of grace.
When you got sick, Mom kept vigil. You could bang yourself up doing something crazy, and Mom was there with band-aids and hugs. You could throw up all over her – but all Mom cared about was that you were OK. In a Mother's love, God's mercy and healing are made real for us.
Who proudly displayed your “masterpieces” on the refrigerator? Who framed your handmade cards? Who thinks you look like Tom Cruise, only more handsome? Who is convinced that although Julia Roberts is pretty, she's no you? In a mother's love God shows us that we are all his own dear children.
Who proudly displayed your “masterpieces” on the refrigerator? Who framed your handmade cards? Who thinks you look like Tom Cruise, only more handsome? Who is convinced that although Julia Roberts is pretty, she's no you? In a mother's love God shows us that we are all his own dear children.
For mothers, food is a compulsion. It begins with nursing her first born and doesn't end until she has fixed her last pot-roast for her children's children. Mom always is concerned that we have had enough to eat, that we have everything we need in abundance.
That even goes to feeding the dog that you promised to feed when you convinced her you couldn't live without one. In a mother's love, we realize how richly God has blessed all of creation. Regardless of how badly we've messed up, despite our failures and disappointments, no matter how dark the storm clouds are on our horizon, a mother's love is constant and unconditional. You are her child – that’s all that matters. In a mother's love, we come to know the unconditional and limitless love of God – God who is both our Father and Mother.
On this Sunday, we as a nation honor the generous, committed women who have undertaken the vocation of motherhood. Mothers, I salute you! For your children, I thank you for being YOU! May you have a very happy Mother's Day!
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