by Sister Francis Bangert
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers and all women who serve as mother figures to the young. Thank you for all the ways you birth and nurture life in our children.
Offered for your reflection today is another way of being "mother". In his First Letter to the Faithful written in the early 13th century, St. Francis of Assisi exhorts women and men desiring to share in his Gospel way of life with these words: “We are mothers when we carry Him (Jesus) in our heart and body through a divine love and a pure and sincere conscience, and give birth to Him through a holy activity which must shine as an example before others."
What is this “holy activity”? To love the Lord with our whole heart, mind, soul and strength, to love our neighbor as ourselves, to be of goodwill to all, and to produce fruitful actions that will shine in the darkness. This “birthing,” this “holy activity” is the Spirit of Jesus, the dynamic principle of life that rests within us, makes its home and dwelling place among us, and propels us into loving union with the Father and the Son, and one another. As our Mother Mary was overshadowed and Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, so too, may this indwelling Spirit of life birth the fragrance of rich fruit in our lives.
Happy Mother’s Day to everyone!
Thank you for reminding us that there are many ways to "mother" and comfort others in this uncertain world.
Thank you, Sister. One of the best Reflections I've seen in quite awhile - a wonderful new perspective. Please ask the Good Sisters to Pray for Fr. Bill. I've been Hospitalized twice for five days each - trying to solve a dizziness problem from low Blood Pressure. This has resulted in two recent collapses - Doctors are still searching for the correct remedy. Let us pray for Each Other! Fr. Bill
When I was a young 2nd grader @ St Boniface, I was raised by my father. Sister Claudette served beyond her role as teacher toward me, serving I and many others, in what I will always remember in a motherly manner, pure and sincere Holy activities that made St Francis and my Dad very proud!
God Bless to all of you this Mothers Day!
Michael
Dear Sister Fran, Thank you for your inspiring words that the Spirit of Jesus dwells among us and "propels us into loving union with the Father and Son and one another." May all of us feel the indwelling of the Holy Spirit who helps to bring our union with God, Jesus and one another to completion. My prayers are with you and the Sisters every night. With deepest gratitude, through Jesus, Loretta
Yes, so true. Francis understood the truth of JESUS' message: (Matt. 12: 46-50) Jesus’ Mother and Brothers
46 While Jesus was still talking to the crowd, his mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”
48 He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.”
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"Doing" the will and work of God (loving kindness, humble service, speaking truth, lives of integrity, advocating and working for justice & peace) is what unites us as One-in-God. Not a religion, not a denomination, not even a religious experience - but "doing" truth, "doing" peace, "doing" justice, "doing" loving kindness, "doing" compassion ....