The vocation of motherhood

May is traditionally dedicated to Mary, the mother of Jesus. Besides honoring Mary in May, we also single out and thank our own mothers on Mother’s Day. This is a good time to reflect on what it means to be a mother.

First of all, the biological conceiving and birthing of a child doesn’t automatically make a woman a mother in the true sense of the word. Most of us have read or heard stories of women who give physical birth to children only to neglect or abandon them.

Like our Blessed Mother Mary, a mother is someone who says yes to the call to raise her children in love. The primary role or vocation of a mother is to nurture and protect her children. She helps to form their values and is a major influence on their emotional and spiritual development. The instruction in the rite of baptism tells parents that they are the first and primary educators of their children in the faith. Being a parent — a mother — is an enormous gift and responsibility.

When I was growing up I remember my mother being very involved in our parish. She belonged to the Sodality and the Altar and Rosary Society. She did everything from washing altar linens to becoming a eucharistic minister when the laity began distributing Communion. Even into her late 70s she still brought Communion to patients in the hospital. She often went to daily Mass and took us to special services like novenas. There is no doubt in my mind that her devotion and dedication were a great influence on my formation in the faith and, ultimately, my becoming a Sister of the Holy Cross.

Another attribute of motherhood is a lifetime concern for one’s children. Even though a component of motherhood is “letting go” of grown children, mothers never cease to love and support their children in good times and in bad.

Sometimes a mother can do everything right and a child may not respond well. There are families who have one child with problems and another who has entered religious life, yet both were brought up the same way. Children can cause much sorrow and discouragement, but parents, especially mothers, continue to bestow faithful love. Consider St. Monica, who prayed many years for the conversion of her wayward son. He eventually became St. Augustine and was proclaimed a doctor of the church.

In addition, there are women who are spiritual mothers, those who may not have given physical birth to children but serve as important mentors. They often step in when a mother dies or is ill, or they befriend children who lack mothering in their own families.

The vocation of motherhood is not easy, and time and again mothers make great sacrifices for their children. Sadly, we often take our mothers for granted and neglect to show them our gratitude. It is important to show them our appreciation — not just once a year, but every day.

And if you never knew your mother or if your mother is deceased, remember that Mary is also your mother and she loves you very much.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, browse our “Living the Faith” archive to read some of Sister Margie’s past reflections.