Gospel Reading: John 14:15-21
This year, Mother’s Day falls on the Sixth Sunday of Easter. How appropriate when we read the words of John’s Gospel: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” How often have we usually kept our Mother’s “commandments,” and she has always loved us.
The importance of love cannot be overstated in today’s readings. Philip proclaimed Christ to the people in Samaria. He “laid hands on them and there was great joy in that city.” Our Mothers, Mother-figures, Grandmothers, Godmothers, Aunts, Sisters, Daughters, and Nieces have all touched us in ways that have brought us great joy. Do we extend that touch of great joy to those with whom we come in contact, to those who might need a touch of that joy in their lives?
A simple word, hello, or greeting can brighten someone’s day. When we extend these words, we can shout out with the Psalmist, “Let all the earth cry out to God with joy.” Whenever someone at Church, or the supermarket, or just out on the street asks for our prayers, they trust that we are offering their intentions to our God who “refused me not my prayer or his kindness!”
As Peter reminds us in the second reading, “to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, do it with gentleness and kindness.” What greater hope do we have but the promise of the Holy Spirit “to be with you always.” Many times our Mothers have given us advice with kindness and gentleness. Like the Holy Spirit, they are with us always, whether present here on earth or enjoying the bliss of heaven.
Jesus reminds us that “Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.” Let us continue to love the Father and the Son as we prepare for the coming of the Holy Spirit into our lives.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Sister Mary Joan Jacobs, CSFN
