Despite social change, the sacredness of motherhood remains

In a gender neutral world, the term ‘mother’ can begin to lose both its meaning and significance. We already see this happening with new government forms that drop the term in order to be more inclusive.

To try to include people who may feel excluded or marginalized is a good; however, it should never be done at the expense of truth. The truth is that the term mother is something very beautiful, and that it is both universal and inclusive in its expression. From a Christian perspective we see this most clearly in Mary the Mother of God.

When Jesus was dying on the cross, one of his final gestures was to give his mother to us. We read in the Gospel of John, “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, ‘Woman, here is your son.’ Then he said to the disciple, ‘Here is you mother.’ And from that hour the disciple took her into his home.” (Jn. 19:25-26)

This passage has traditionally been interpreted as Jesus giving his mother to all of us. Her motherhood is inclusive and universal because it extends to everyone. We are all her spiritual children and she extends to us a mother’s love.

There are many things that we could say about Mary as mother; nevertheless, I would like to focus on two qualities that can be found in sacred Scripture.

Mary is humble and nowhere is this more evident than when she visits her cousin Elizabeth. When she discovers that her cousin is also pregnant and may be in need of some help, Mary goes to her without thinking about herself.

When the two meet and Elizabeth offers words of praise to Mary, she responds by focusing not on herself, but on the Lord: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my saviour, for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.” (Lk.1:46-48) As a loving mother her efforts are directed to helping her children and leading them to her son, Jesus.

Another quality of Mary is her peaceful disposition and contemplative heart. We are told in the Gospel of St. Luke that after Mary had given birth to Jesus in a stable, the shepherds came and told her what the angels had revealed to them about Jesus. We are told that “Mary treasured these words and pondered them in her heart.” (Lk. 2:19)

This means that as our heavenly mother, Mary listens to all of the cares and concerns that we bring to her. She ponders them in her heart and then acts on our behalf. Like a loving mother she tries to help her children because she only wants what is best for us.

On Sunday we will be celebrating Mother’s Day. It is an opportunity to offer thanks to all mothers, both living and deceased, for all they have done for us. They have helped to give us life, made countless sacrifices, offered love and acceptance, and helped us to grow in wisdom and grace. It is because of all of this that there is something much more profound about being called a mother rather than simply a parent.

We know that some may struggle on this day because of unpleasant life experiences. The word ‘mother’ may not produce pleasant thoughts. In these situations, we need to turn to our heavenly mother who will pray for us and help us to heal. In all humility she will carry us in her heart and bring us to her Son. What a mother we have in Mary.

The Most Reverend Gerard Bergie is bishop of St. Catharines.