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Some time ago, I heard the story of a young woman; I thought it would be appropriate to share it with you today.  Her husband was a cancer victim, so weak that he was almost paralyzed and bedridden.  She had three small school-aged children and one in her arms.  She worked to support her family.  After work she rushed home to cook, wash, scrub and care for her husband and children.  Surprisingly, she had a faint smile on her face all the time.  When asked how she was doing, she said, “It’s God’s will.”   There were no tears, nor anger, nor bitterness.  She knew what had to be done and she did it.  She knew what her responsibilities were, and she accepted them.  She knew her limitations and sought God’s help through it all.

Why am I relating this story?  Because I believe this mother is a real heroine.  When we think of Christian heroes, we often think of the glorious procession of men and women down the ages who lived extraordinary lives and died extraordinary deaths.  They often sound too good to be true.

But as we gather today remember our mothers, we know them to be real heroines.  They are ordinary people who are willing to try to live according to God’s will, even when the going is difficult.  They were never in the limelight; never hit the headlines.  And yet they are for each of us true heroes.  They taught us about the joy of living, smiling all the while, making others happy and making us feel that it is better to be close to God and happy, than to be running around anxious and unhappy.  They taught us that in this life nothing is “ordinary” or “routine” because everything ought to be done for the love of God, family, and one’s fellow human beings.  No big deal, no big talk – just fidelity to daily duty, quiet care for family and extended family, unselfish service to others especially those who can do little for us in return.

So, we ought to remember these heroines in our midst and in our lives with love and gratitude.  We ought to give thanks to God for giving us these wonderful women of faith and love.  Let us learn from them how to be good Christians and good husbands and wives and good parents – transmitting to the next  generation all that we were taught by our mothers so that we can build a better world by building a stronger and more encouraging family.

 To all the wonderful mothers of our parish – thank you and have a happy and joyous Mother’s Day!