Day Twenty-One - The Gift of Motherhood

Today's Reflection:
by Alison Simpson

Women have the ability to grow and carry a child inside them. That never ceases to amaze me. It truly is beautiful. The moment a mother and child meet outside the womb is irreplaceable. It’s like a glimpse of how much God loves us. When a mother and a child have that skin-to-skin contact it creates a bond that is inseparable. Mothers can get a taste of what it was like for Mama Mary to rock her baby boy. A mother and child are connected not only by blood but also through their breaths, hugs, kisses, and smiles. Oh, what a sweet, sweet feeling. The love of a mother is truly like no other.

Today, our society views motherhood as a burden, chore, or a lowly profession. It’s far from this, though. It’s a gift! One of the greatest gifts because it’s the gift of life. During childbirth, mothers get to experience a glimpse of Christ’s Passion: they suffer for the sake of another. St. Gianna Beretta Molla is a saint that truly learned what this meant. She was told that she would die during childbirth if she didn’t get an abortion. St. Gianna replied to the doctor by saying, “If you must choose between me and the baby, save the baby!” Mothers truly are self-sacrificing. After the fall of Adam and Eve, motherhood became a difficult task to bear but God shows that it is a task that is worth bearing. It’s a gift worth receiving and fighting for. Children are an irreplaceable gift. We must encourage and thank mothers for taking up this task!

For any girls that are discerning the married life and motherhood, I advise starting a novena to St. Anne, St. Monica, or St. Gianna. It might provide you with some clarity. Above all, pray to Mama Mary. She is the greatest mother and wife. She’s the Mother of God and she’s our mother too. If God put a desire on your heart to be a wife and mother, He will reveal it to you. He will make it happen, my dear ladies.

As we reflect on the gift of a mother and child, we should call to mind the importance of having a good relationship with our heavenly mother: Mary. I mentioned above that Mary is the greatest wife and mother to ever walk this planet. Not only is she a perfect role model for all mothers, but she is a perfect role model for everyone on this earth. The path to sainthood is never easy. It’s often a winding path but any path worth taking is never easy. Just remember, as St. Teresa of Avila put it, “The feeling remains that God is on the journey, too.” Maybe you feel called to the vocation of motherhood but are afraid. You’re afraid that you would have your freedom taken away from you. You’re afraid that you will just be doing lowly tasks for a living. Please take heart and know that it is one of the greatest gifts to receive. Mary did the simplest of tasks: cleaning, cooking, and washing. She simply did what was set in front of her. This is her “Fiat”. We too are called to say, “Let it be done to me according to your word.” No matter your vocation, God will use you for good. He will get you where you need to be.

Don’t forget to pray for all expecting mothers and that they may choose life. Remember that as followers of Christ and Pro-Life warriors we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. Take heart and pray for an end to abortion. Pray for the gift of motherhood to be held as a sacred gift from God.

Pro-Life Prayer for Mothers

O Mary, Mother of Jesus and Mother of us all, we turn to you today as the one who said "Yes" to Life. "You will conceive and bear a Son," the angel told you. Despite the surprise and the uncertainty about how this could be, you said yes. "Be it done unto me according to your word."

Mary, we pray today for all mothers who are afraid to be mothers. We pray for those who feel threatened and overwhelmed by their pregnancy. Intercede for them, that God may give them the grace to say yes and the courage to go on. May they have the grace to reject the false solution of abortion. May they say with you, "Be it done unto me according to your word." May they experience the help of Christian people, and know the peace that comes from doing God's will.

Amen.

Prayer published by Priests for Life.