We can focus on a number of things today. We celebrate 'Good Shepherd Sunday' and 'Vocations Sunday. We of course celebrate 'Mother's Day' too. To acknowledge our Mother and other care givers in our lives is fitting and links these titles because we hold the vocation of 'Mothering' in such high esteem. How often did we experience the voice of Christ coming through our Mothers?
From today's Gospel, 'the sheep that belong to me listen to my voice'. Even Jesus himself initiated his public ministry by listening to his mother when she said to the stewards at Cana, 'Do whatever he tells you'.
The photograph above was taken last week when I celebrated Mass with the Catholic Fiji Community in West Auckland. They meet monthly and they wanted to celebrate 'Mothers' at their gathering. It was a beautiful tribute to all the mothers present. May all who share qualities of motherhood continue to be blessed and be the blessing they are.
Today we give thanks for Christ our Good Shepherd, we renew our commitment to our own particular vocation and pray for those discerning God's call in their lives and we remember and acknowledge our mother's today both living and dead with deep gratitude.
Listen to a beautiful song from Mum and I recorded over 20 years ago in te reo called 'Moe iho au'. Scroll down to track 13 on the 'Holy Land' album. A loose translation of the theme of the song is that the souls of our loved ones are close to us.
Blessings on your week.