Motherhood as a Vocation

YEARS before, once married, a woman prays in anticipation for pregnancy. Confirmed to be pregnant, she undergoes bodily changes with the accompanying periods of discomfort, with pains that seem to shoot up from any part of her body, of feeling unattractive, of cravings for treats bordering on being spoiled. But all in all, it was a joyful moment of celebration shared by both sides of the family, especially by the Lolos and Lolas.

Not so much now. We know and hear of pregnancies mostly out of marriage, not just from our immature young, but even from professional women. Their reasons being: they still want to study further to fulfill their dreams; they are not sure of their partners; they are not ready and cannot afford a family; to escape from the poverty of their original families; everybody does it anyway and it is not a big thing; they come from broken families; sacramental marriage is just a piece of paper. Unplanned and unwanted, pregnancies are hidden, and has become a time of shame and pain.

Thus, motherhood has radically changed. A 5-year-old girl with special needs was left in church. A child was born from a teen who was repeatedly raped by the live-in partner of her mother. Afraid for her own safety, a mother watches as her drunk husband beat her 4-year-old son. In some cases, an indigent mother gives her young daughter in marriage to a 70-year-old foreigner. She has gained comfort, her foreigner son-in-law gained a wife and a caregiver.

In the plan of GOD, a mother is someone special. HE gave us Mother Mary.

Mother Mary kept things in Her heart; bore the discomfort of travel while pregnant to protect JESUS and to reach out to Her cousin Elizabeth; kept silent once JESUS spoke; interceded for those who lack; bowed to the FATHER’s will from Her pregnancy, up until JESUS was falsely accused, humiliated, tortured, and nailed to the Cross. She shared all with Her SON, every step of the way.

The same benevolent Hands that shaped Mother Mary’s heart also fashioned every mother’s heart. Created for GOD’s purpose, a mother’s heart is capable of reverent quiet and docility before its Almighty CREATOR. It listens, reaches out, serves, forgives, mediates, and intercedes in prayer.

This Mothers’ Day, chosen for this distinct honour and unmerited grace, may all mothers celebrate with GOD the gift of their children, however they have become. In prayer, may all children be offered back to The FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT. In HIS Hand, all children are safe; embraced by HIS holy will, all our children will be made holy.

Faithful to GOD, and always on our side as Her children, let us seek the unfailing help of our Mother Mary as we pray, HAIL MARY, FULL OF GRACE, THE LORD IS WITH YOU. BLESSED ARE YOU AMONG WOMEN, AND BLESSED IS THE FRUIT OF YOUR WOMB, JESUS. HOLY MARY, MOTHER OF GOD, PRAY FOR US SINNERS, NOW AND AT THE HOUR OF OUR DEATH, AMEN. To GOD be all glory! (Bella Sarenas)