Sixth Sunday of Easter
Over the years, some of our secular celebrations have taken on immense importance. Mother's Day is one of those. Card makers and florists reap a huge benefit because of this day. Many restaurants offer special meal opportunities. Even some Major League Baseball teams conduct special promotions tied to the day. And many children go to church with their mothers to thank God and to pray with and for them. It is a day of celebration for many, honoring the women who brought them into the world.
It just happens that today's Gospel is absolutely perfect for today's secular feast. Like Jesus, what mother would not say to her children, "Love one another as I love you"? Jesus' words to his disciples were spoken at the Last Supper as they gathered around the table after he washed their feet-an example of humble service that he gave to all his followers. His words were a lasting legacy to his disciples, expressing his desire for how they should treat one another. A mother could easily ask the same of her own children.
Mothers know how their children can act. Sometimes they are perfect angels. At other times is seems like they are ready to tear a brother or sister to bits. In managing a household, a mother will often work to get cooperation from her children by encouraging them to care for one another. Jesus asks the same of those who follow him. We are not always ready to love one another. Sometimes we treat other people in the worst of ways. But like a mother, Jesus keeps calling us back to care for our brothers and sisters, to treat them with respect, to recognize that we all have one common Father who is the God who created us. On Mother's Day, so many children put aside differences to get along "for mom." Jesus expects us to love one another all the time.
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