THE HAPPY AND FAITHFUL MOTHER: A PASTORAL REFLECTION ON THE QUALITIES OF TRUE CHRISTIAN MOTHERHOOD

Basically, a mother is a female parent, who brings forth the young ones into existence. At a deeper level, she is a co-creator with God (though a much lower one) who helps in continuing the creative function of God A mother is expected by God, nature and humanity, to nurture and bring to full life, a generation of off-springs. In essence, therefore, she is a care-giver. This duty is one that calls for an ardent devotion.

In the early years of life, the young ones depend on the mother for feeding and protection. In the same vein, the home which is the domestic Church depends largely on the mother for its spiritual strength, guidance and direction. The values for which the family is known and respected are reposited in her, and she has the onerous task of handing these values down to the young ones and indeed to every other member of the family.

The values of Happiness and Faithfulness are the key ingredients of motherhood being highlighted in this text. Happiness is a state of inner joy, contentment and peace. It comes from within the self, so it cannot be acquired or got from wealth or riches. Rather, it is one of the many fruits of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, for a mother to be genuinely happy, she must be holy; making herself available to the Holy Spirit who will bequeath this gift to her.

One the other hand, faithfulness is the virtue which is possessed only by believers who follow diligently the precepts of the Lord, without casting any doubt or seeking a proof that His promises are true. A faithful person trusts God wholly, knowing (in faith) that God never fails. This depth of faithfulness makes the seeming impossible to become possible. The faithful mother is one who is reliable, humble, obedient, tender-hearted, truthful and devoted in the performance of her duty. Therefore, in all the vicissitudes of life, she stands firm; not because she is able to, by her own merits, but because the grace of God is at work in her. This is the vocation you are called to today as mothers.