We continue our celebration of Easter reflecting on the generosity of God’s love realized in Christ’s Resurrection. Spring is an awakening season for observations, reflections and outreaching stewardship expressions. Each of us has been created to manifest the glory of God that is within us. The Blessed Mother is especially honored throughout May as a role model for all. We celebrate other mothers too, remembering their stewarding efforts in nurturing life, fostering development and serving many and varied needs. Let us celebrate and show appreciation throughout the month of May for the love and gifts that surround us each day.
The Gospels share how Jesus, following His Resurrection, visited the disciples, listened to their conversations, and broke bread to renew their awareness of His presence and abiding love. Consider the ways you are walking with and talking about Christ on the roads to wherever each day. Seek opportunities for reflection and nourishment in the Eucharist.
Celebrate the gift of life with gratitude to your mother for the intimacy and care of the nine-month ‘womb relationship’. Consider how she and other ‘mothering’ women have influenced the kind of person you are today. What have you learned? How have you grown? In what ways might you express appreciation and return care in serving acts?
Each is called and needed to be a mentor to others. (Think of how the earliest apostles and disciples interacted and spread Christianity). Use your eyes, ears, and heart to observe opportunities to respond in lifting others up; in making others feel good about themselves; by offering assistance; in stepping up to welcome the stranger; by offering encouragement; in showing appreciation; and in supporting growth in others…all mentoring and stewardship expressions.
Think back to the wonders of youth in discovering the beauty and details of God’s Creation. Recall the feel of grass between your toes, and pools of water following spring rains. Think of the scent of flowers blooming, in full arrays of color and beauty. Observe butterflies, newly emerged from cocoons, and other signs of new birth. Recall the hours of fun enjoyed playing out-of-doors on spring days. Listen to the sounds that come with seasonal changes.
What are you grateful for today? Have you expressed thanks to God for His love and gifts? How will you show appreciation? Rejoice with awareness of your blessings.
Celebrate the Risen Christ. Alleluia.