From the Millsboro Hermitage
From Lanham Hermitage
Happy Mother's Day Moms
Dear Friends,
The first part of this reflection was created in Millboro yesterday morning. The second half will be created at the end of this complete reflection from the usual Hermitage in Lanham.
Greetings from Lower Delaware. There is salt in the air. Cloudy skies. Cool breeze. Hershey, my canine companion, is at my feet. My brother is in the next room snoring! He is rebuilding his strength and seems to be determined to be walking in two weeks' time. This will be marvelous especially since it will give him the freedom from the public commode that stands by his bedside. Keep praying, please!
Today's celebration in the Church seems to be focused on the reality of vocations. As soon as someone says "vocations," most usually think of priesthood, diaconate or religious life We tend to overlook the full inclusion of the word like the lifetime collector of our rubbish, those who working in fields producing our vegetables, the men and women whom we call first responders, etc. etc. etc. So often we forget that motherhood, like fatherhood, is truly a unique vocation
Stop for moment to call to mind how you would define the word "vocation." Deep within us God has embedded, as we computer and video aficionados might say; something in our DNA that bring us to a specific way of living our lives.
We priests celebrate our vocation primarily in the life of the sacrament but especially in the Eucharist which brings us to the altar of sacrifice. As well we are somewhat defined by our bringing sacraments to the sick, consoling the bereaved, baptizing, witnessing marriages, etc. Today, however, we celebrate a unique and wonderful vocation that works at a different kind of altar that we priests and deacons do.
The vocation I write about today, now in Lanham, is the one every one's mother should to follow as well and strongly as she could. Mother's day could be a marvelous time to look at the many ways a mother lives her vocation. Such an exercise my require a full day's composition. Her's, as mother is truly a singular vocation of distinction.
Imagine what an artist might do if she were asked to paint a picture that could be titled "Motherhood." How can anyone honestly put before the world all the pains, the joys, the losses, the frustrations, the caring, the hugging, the guidance and the frustrations mothers give to their marriage partner, their children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Theirs is truly a 24/7/365 vocation especially when she has brought children into the world.
Today, try to imagine what kind of Motherhood painting you would create or, if you cannot paint, one you might ask an artist to do for you as a gift for your mother.
Let us raise our voices in thanksgiving to God for our mothers, those with us and those who have left this world for a heavenly reward. Amen! Amen! Amen!
Oremus pro invicem!
Fr. Milt ... who thanks God for all the love and care given to me by my mother, Margaret!
