Today, throughout America and many other countries, millions of us are honoring a very special person in our lives… our mothers. Of all the people to be honored, those who have undertaken the role of motherhood, and have done so with love, devotion, sacrifice, and loyalty are worthy of all the recognition that could be bestowed upon them.
Of course, every faithful Christian realizes that today, and every Sunday, is the Lord’s day. Christ takes preeminence over every human, regardless of the love and appreciation we have for anyone. Yet, in a secondary sense, and perhaps next in line to be honored, are our faithful, loving mothers. How fitting and proper to designate a special day each year to honor them.
In thinking of our own mothers and grandmothers today, we also give special recognition to our wives, who have given birth to our children and have been faithful in molding and developing their character through the years. We are mindful of our daughters and granddaughters who are following in their footsteps. We also think of those “special mothers” who have opened their hearts and homes to children who do not have mothers, to love and provide for them.
Even after becoming adults, many of us have had such special mothers to reach out and embrace us with their arms and heart just like one of their own. Quite often we hear someone say, “She has been like a mother to me.” This is said about mothers-in-law, or about a close friend’s mother, or even about one who has not been blessed with children of her own. It’s sometimes said about fathers, but more commonly about mothers. Everyone needs a mother at special times, when one’s biological mother may not be available. Most mothers have a way of showing love, guidance, and understanding to other children. That’s just the way mothers are.
Among Paul’s final words in the Roman letter, he sends special greetings to various brethren he knew who “labored much for us,” or who were his “fellow workers,” or who are described as “my beloved in the Lord.” In that list he says, “Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.” (Rom. 16:13) We cannot be certain concerning the identity of Rufus, nor his mother. Though there is no evidence that Paul had been in Rome before writing this letter, we would assume that because of his courteous mention of “his mother and mine” that on some occasion the mother of Rufus had been a mother to Paul. The apostle felt it quite fitting to refer to her in such an affectionate way as he sent greetings to his many brethren.
Have you been blessed with a loving mother or grandmother? Have you been blessed by someone else’s mother who has endeared herself to you through the years? Why don’t you make their day, on this special day, as you express your love to them.
0 Comments