My dearest daughters, and sisters in Christ Jesus,
I want you to know how much I appreciate you. As a pastor, I have always borrowed the civic holiday of Mother’s Day to seek to minister Christ’s love to the little girls, teenage lassies, young women, and those in the summer, autumn and winter seasons of life. The world, and so often men, like me, miss the remarkable gift that our faithful women are to our lives. Our wise Father made woman as the highest order of Creation. When humanity fell, a promise was made that our Savior would come and redeem us without the help of a male. Thus, in the fullness of time, the Blessed Virgin Mary gave birth to God Incarnate. When the Lord died for our sins, women were at the foot of the cross while others, save John, fled. On the third day, women gathered in the gray light of dawn to minister to the crucified body of Christ (for that reason, I have always asked that the women of the church lead in preparing the Communion Table, on which we partake of the body and blood of Jesus; keep the seasonal colors on the Table and in the sanctuary; for you have always, and continue to, care for the Body of Christ so well). Women were the first to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The first European convert in the mission to the Gentiles was a woman, Lydia. If we read the Bible as a whole, we see the extraordinary role of women in expressing God’s beauty, His redeeming love, mercy, and patience.
So, on this Mother’s Day, I and all of our community, offer thanksgiving to God for each of you. This is not merely a Hallmark Cards sentiment (though sentiment is good and right). Such gratitude is an obedient response to the testimony of all of Scripture. We rededicate ourselves to honor you, cherish you, and affirm your place among us as a sign of God’s Grace.
Happy Mother’s Day to each of you. I want you to know you are loved. I want you to know that you are admired.
Commending you and your families to Christ and the Word of His
I remain,
Yours Faithfully,
M.A.M.
