This piece by Father Jim captures it beautifully,

“Happy Mothers Day! Here is a reflection I wrote for the May edition of @GiveUsThisDayLP

The same thing happens every year on the Sunday of Mother’s Day. I wonder if I should offer, as some parishes do, a blessing for the mothers in the congregation.

On the one hand, some people expect it and are even angry when it doesn’t happen. On the other hand, it’s not exactly part of the liturgical calendar or the Mass. On the third hand, some women who are either unmarried or haven’t had children tell me that it can be painful to feel left out.

One option is to pray for mothers, grandmothers, aunts, foster mothers, stepmothers, godmothers, older sisters, teachers, mentors, and all women who have been like mothers to us over the years. In other words, we pray for all those who have given us the gift of what you might call a “mothering spirit.”

But even then, I feel a bit guilty, because perhaps I’m being sexist. Is a “mothering spirit” one of tenderness and care, while a “fatherly spirit” is one of—what?—firmness and direction? I know many fathers who are tender and caring and many mothers who are firm and direct!

Maybe the best thing to ask for when praying for a mothering spirit is two things: first, to be able to offer the best that our mothers and “mother figures” have offered us.

Then, to be a bit more biblical, to pray to have the mothering spirit of the Blessed Mother. Mary accepted what God asked of her and always loved her son, as well as loving everyone else. Mary, pray that we may love like you do.”

He adds at the end,

“PS: My mother died on Feb. 26. I would appreciate your prayers for her eternal rest.”

Amen AMEN ~

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