M other's Day was made into a national holiday by President Woodrow
Wilson in 1914. We realize that we can never repay our mothers for all that they
have done for us. They put themselves last, taking care of their families first.
This helps us to reflect on what true motherhood is. It is selfless love which
stands in contrast to certain unhealthy practices of selfish "motherhood," that
is wanting to be a mother simply because the person wants it, likes the idea of
being a mother. So, we have planned motherhood (at the "right" time). We have
surrogate motherhood. Also, there is even the desire to have "designer"
children: choosing the gender and appearance of a child.
The term "selfish motherhood" is really an absurdity. Motherhood in fact
counters selfishness. We have that great example of all mothers: Mary. We have,
by God's providence, the example of our own mothers who by and large always
turned to Mary for help. May we ever grow in our appreciation and love for each
of our mothers, living and deceased, and for our Blessed Mother.
We might note that the apostrophe occurs before the s and not
after the s in Mother’s Day. The reason is that this day is
specifically for each mother and not as a collective whole. It’s a reminder that
each of us should be thankful for and value our own mother personally. If we are
fortunate to have her alive with us, then we must show our love and respect for
her by our deeds and words. If she has passed on, then we should always remember
to pray for her and to thank God for the gift to us that she was.
Father Stanley
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