“It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you…”
John 15:16

Remembering and celebrating her on Mother’s Day… That’s how I will honor my mother today—remembering how kind she was and celebrating her many gifts, especially the faith she gave me.

Some of us are fortunate to have our Moms with us today. Some of us have entrusted her to God and the saints. However you remember your mother today, I will pray for you both at Mass, asking our Blessed Mother in particular to hold you close.

We all have special memories of Mother’s Day growing up and I certainly have mine. My mother is the one who first modeled prayer and the Sacraments. She taught me the virtues of respect and compassion, and also forgiveness.

Later as an adult and young missioner in Bolivia, I learned new lessons about motherhood. When Bolivians observe Mother’s Day, the world might as well come to a complete stop. You just spend time with your mother—no excuses! Watching their joyous family celebrations, I learned something new. Central to the Bolivians’ understanding of a mother’s love is the connection to their other provider, the earth—a spirit they call Pachamama or Mother Earth. How extraordinary… The homage they give to the woman who gave them life is a reflection of the homage they give to the earth itself.

Friend, when you were a child, you probably bought your mother flowers or made her breakfast on Mother’s Day. Now we can still do special things to honor our mother—and all the women we know who are generous life-givers and nurturers. Model their devotion to the Gospel… share their compassion with someone in need… find a new way to care for Creation itself. These are all great ways to say, “Thank you, Mom.”