Sue’s Monday Morning Meditation
Mother’s Day
05/13/2024
Scripture:
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 (NKJV)
But what happens when we live God’s way? He brings gifts into our lives, much the same way that fruit appears in an orchard—things like affection for others, exuberance about life, serenity. We develop a willingness to stick with things, a sense of compassion in the heart, and a conviction that a basic holiness permeates things and people. We find ourselves involved in loyal commitments, not needing to force our way in life, able to marshal and direct our energies wisely. Galatians 5:22-23 (MSG)
Comments:
Yesterday was the official day designated to celebrate mothers. In the early morning hours, I recalled and gave thanks for the mothers in my life who have left indelible imprints on my soul: my grandmothers, mother, mother-in-law, daughters, as well as our firstborn granddaughter who is a mother-to-be. (I’ve never been a great-grandma and am excited to try on this new role in October!)
I thought about and prayed for friends who never became biological moms but who faithfully nurture others as aunts, teachers, ministers, and soul friends.
My thoughts and prayers turned toward women whose hearts hurt this Mother’s Day because of separation from children and grandchildren geographically or relationally. Mama hurt is deep hurt!
This Mother’s Day, I rejoiced to hear a young friend and new mother deliver the Sunday morning sermon at the church where she works. Later, I laughed and celebrated with family and friends. Special celebrations like Mother’s Day can spark joy in one’s soul.
It is good, I believe, to recall, give thanks, and celebrate special people and events.
We are formed spiritually by all of life. Family and home are certainly keys to healthy spiritual formation.
Ronald Rolheiser, a Benedictine Oblate, and spiritual author, wrote a lovely little book entitled Domestic Monastery – Creating a Spiritual Life at Home. In it, Rolheiser tells the story of Carlo Carretto (1910-1988), who lived for over twelve years in the Sahara Desert as a hermit, isolated and spending much time in prayer, while translating the Bible into the local Bedouin language.
During this time, Carretto returned to his home in Italy to visit his mother, who for over three decades, had been raising a family of many children. His observation was surprising. Watching his mother, who rarely had more than a few spare minutes to pray, he realized she seemed more contemplative, patient, and loving than him.
Carretto did not discount the work he did, but he recognized that even a busy household can become a monastery—a place set apart, a place where the fruit of God’s Spirit grows, where rhythms of quick, heartfelt prayer and warm hospitality take place despite countless disruptions mothers and homemakers experience incessantly.
If you are a mother—biological or mother-of-the-heart—I hope yesterday was meaningful. If the day triggered sadness, I hope you felt the warm embrace of God’s tender love, and I sincerely hope the thought about making home a domestic monastery is meaningful.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of mothers—biological and mothers-of-the-heart—and for the privilege of motherhood. Bless moms with joy, strength, love, and a deep sense of purpose. Help us devote ourselves even to the burdensome, messy, and mundane parts of mothering. Grow within us more and more the fruit of Your Spirit and show us how our homes can become “domestic monasteries.”
Amen.
Reflection Question(s):
How can the inconveniences and disruptions of motherhood develop greater spiritual fruit within me? What part does that play in the process of a home becoming a “domestic monastery?”
Blessings on your meditations this Monday!
