Remember and Honor our Mothers!
On this 6th Sunday of Easter, as we also celebrate Mother’s Day it is only
fitting that we reflect on love and sacrifice. The unconditional love mothers offer
reflects the love Jesus speaks of in today’s Gospel. He reminds us, “If you love
me, you will keep my commandments.” This call to obedience is not a burden but
an invitation to live in the essence of love. When Jesus says, “Whoever has my
commandments and observes them is the one who loves me,” He establishes a
clear connection between love and action. True love manifests in how we treat
one another and how we live our lives. Jesus assures us that those who love Him
remain in an intimate relationship with the Father. The promise of the Holy Spirit,
the Spirit of Truth, acts as our guide, helping us live out the commandments of
love in our daily lives.
As we gather with our families this weekend to honor our mothers, let’s cherish
their sacrifices and all the lessons they have shared with us. Moms have been our
very first teachers of love, always giving selflessly and showing us the incredible
power of kindness and compassion. Their actions reflect Jesus’s commandment
to love, as they care for us with patience and selfless sacrifice. This Mother’s Day
weekend, as we express gratitude for our mothers, let’s also remember to apply
the lessons they have taught us in kindness, compassion, and living according to
God’s commandments. Jesus’s message is clear: when we act out of love, we
open ourselves to deepen our connection with Him and with others.
In May, the Church invites us to honor our Mother Mary, the Mother of our
Lord. Her example of faith and unconditional love stands as a guiding light for all
mothers and a profound source of inspiration for everyone. Let us make this a
special family tradition this May – before we lie down to rest, let’s say a Hail Mary
together as a family, asking for her intercession and protection over us. This
simple act fosters unity and strengthens our faith, reminding us that we are not
alone on our journey. Just as Mary lovingly cared for Jesus, she will continue to
love and watch over each of us now and until the end of our lives.
Dear brothers and sisters, this weekend is a reminder to embrace the love
within our hearts, to act on it as Jesus teaches, and to express gratitude to our
mothers. With the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we may commit to loving deeply and
authentically, ensuring that the legacy of love continues to thrive in our families
and communities. Let us cherish, honor, and celebrate our earthly mothers and
our Heavenly Mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary, whose love inspires us to live each
day with grace, compassion, and joy.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers!
Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor