I grew up in a traditional, upper middle class, suburban family.  My dad was the typical 50’s dad who went to work each day from 8 to 5.  He would come home, watch the evening news, and then “preside” over our family dinner.  In the meantime, my mom did everything else.  Basically, if anything concerned my siblings or me, my mom was the one with the authority to make decisions and execute on those decisions.  My mom provided guidance and practical support. She gave us enough freedom to roam the hills behind our house and to make forts and to suspend a tire swing that we eventually wore out.  My mom also, however, placed some parameters on our many freedoms.  We had to tell her where in the woods we were going. We couldn’t use power tools without my dad being present.  We had to be home for supper.  Thus, my childhood was as a boat bobbing on the waters of freedom, but with the shoreline of maternal support within accessible reach at all times.  It was a happy time in my life.

Throughout Scripture, we are given many images of God as mother.  Here are a few of my favorites:

“Yet it was I [God] who taught Ephraim to walk, I who took them up in my arms; but they did not know that I healed them. I led them with cords of human kindness, with bands of love. I was to them like those who lift infants to their cheeks. I bent down to them and fed them.” (Hosea 11:3-4)

“Like the eagle that stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young, God spreads wings to catch you, and carries you on pinions.” (Deuteronomy 32:11-12)

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I [God] will not forget you.” (Isaiah 49:15)

“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I [God] desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing!” (Matthew 23:37)

This Sunday is Mother’s Day, an occasion for all of us to celebrate the lives of our earthly mothers and the many unheralded ministries that women, both those with children and those without, faithfully engage each and every day.  The gift of freedom within the protection of loving parameters is a profound blessing that many mothers are able to provide their children.  It also just so happens to be the blessed lives that God gives to each of us.

May we celebrate all mothers and all those who live and minister as mothers.  And may we give thanks for the everliving God who cares for us as a loving Mother.

~Father Art