“Two Moms”

By Mary Jeppson

      For Catholics, May is the month for honoring “two moms”…our earthly mother and our spiritual mother, Mary.

      The second Sunday of May is designated as Mother’s Day. We shower our earthly mom with gifts and cards telling her how much we love and appreciate what she has done for us throughout the years. For Mary, our spiritual mom, Catholic parishes traditionally pick one day to host a devotion called a May Crowning. The tradition of crowning a statue of Mary arose in recognition of her heavenly position as Queen of Heaven and Earth. Others choose to honor Mary by placing flowers at the foot of a statue of Mary and praying the Rosary.

      Mary is the Mother of God. Many books and articles have been written about her. Most of them tell us to go to Mary…she will lead us to Jesus. We say “I can just go directly to Jesus” which we can. However, when we are wounded in life, isn’t that when we want our mom most? Our earthly mom gives us love and guidance, dries our tears and takes care of other physical needs.  Mother Mary shows us the spiritual power of maternal wisdom.  She shows us kindness and generosity brings true strength, that freedom comes from forgiveness and acceptance and that love and compassion for one another will bring us true peace. And along with our earthly mother, she will intercede with God on our behalf.

      As we celebrate Mothers Day let us remember all the moms who have gone to their eternal rest, those here among us and women who are like second moms to us. What a great gift God has given us…two Moms!  Happy Mothers Day.