Happy Mother's Day

"Love one another as I have loved you."  John13,34.

   These are powerful words of Jesus by John. This love entails both suffering and sacrifice as exemplified by our beloved mothers. To all the mothers, I greet you warmly on Mother's Day wishing all of you peace and blessing. I often speak of my own mother in my talks - nothing more defines me than these words: "Je suis le fils d'Angelique" : "I am Angela's son."  Titles come and go but no definition seems more appropriate.

   On a more profound level, we can hear Jesus himself say: "I am the son of Mary!" Our blessed mother was always at the side of her son in his Passion and Death. Though not mentioned in Holy Scriptures but affirmed in Catholic tradition, Jesus first appeared to his mother when he rose from the dead. I particularly like this belief because it tells me how much the Lord loved his mother. None of us can deny such!

   As we honor our mothers this coming Sunday, we turn our attention to Mary this month of May. We are reminded that without her, our Christian faith would have no face. The Church describes her in these words: "she who freely co-operated in the work of salvation through faith and obedience". May all of us imitate Mary's action and never fail to disappoint her or our mothers as we journey towards our loving God.

   "Nous sommes les enfants de Marie."  Jesus is our brother.