“While he was blessing them, he withdrew from them and was carried up into heaven.” Luke 24:51

Dear Friends:

“Who will say the blessing,” might be a question asked around our Mother’s Day meal time tables this Sunday as we honor our mothers. A blessing is the assurance of God’s favor upon a person, people or thing. A blessing is not simply a kind word. In fact, a blessing as the spoken word, is the utterance of God’s purpose. On Sunday we’ll have a look at the final act of Jesus’ resurrection in Luke’s gospel. Jesus, having appeared once again to his disciples, promises them the gift of the Holy Spirit. Leading his friends out of Jerusalem to Bethany, he lifts his hands and offers a blessing before ascending. Overwhelmed with joy at Jesus’ blessing upon them, the disciples begin their work. May we, this Sunday, be offering blessings upon all those in our lives who serve as our beloved Mothers.

Perhaps the following blessing will be offered up around your table…

Lord God, we ask for your blessing upon all mothers. Bless our own mothers, those living and those who have passed away. Bless mothers who love us and those who fall short of loving us fully. Bless all those who hope to be mothers some day and those whose hope to have children has been frustrated. Bless all those who remember motherhood shortened through the loss of children. Bless all women and men who have mothered others in any way, with hearts so big. Bless those who have served as substitute mothers. Bless the good earth that bore us and provides our sustenance. May your blessing, Lord God, remain with all who mother, this day and forever more. Amen.

There’s the story of God teaching an infant baby about blessings. Together, they are in heaven. The baby questions God, “I’m learning that you are sending me to live on earth very soon. I’m so small and helpless. How am I going to manage on earth all by myself? Here in heaven, I can manage. I have you, God, and you bless me with joyful singing, smiles and such happiness. How will I have such blessings on earth?”

God answers, “On earth, your angel will be there to bless you with my favor and take care of you. On earth, your angel will sing for you and with you and smile for you so that you will want to smile.” God went on to answer, “Your angel will encircle you with love and warmth. You will be very happy.”

The tiny baby was not convinced. Moving onto the next concern, the infant reminded God, “I don’t know how to speak the language on earth. How will I understand people when they talk to me?”

God went onto answer, “Your angel will bless you over and over again with just the right words, the most beautiful words, sweet words you will hear. Over time, as you hear these loving words, you will learn from the patience and care of your angel, how to speak the language.”

Then, beginning to feel better about the many blessings, the baby realized another concern. The tiny infant asked, “What will I do when I want to talk with you?”

God happily answered, “Your most precious angel will show you how to place your hands together and teach you how to pray. Then you will always be able to talk with me.”

“Okay,” said the infant. Then the baby started again, “Who will look after me? Who will protect me?” God answered quickly, “Your angel will bless you with protection, no matter what; even if it means risking their own life, you will be protected.”

“But,” said the baby, “I know I’ll be sad, because I won’t see you anymore the way I see you now.” God responded, “No, but your angel will help you learn how to remember that my blessing is with you no matter what. I’m always right next to you.”

The baby pondered these blessings while cradled in God’s tender care. Then, they found themselves surrounded by a quiet peace. Suddenly, excited voices from earth could be heard and the baby quickly asked, “God, it sounds like this might be my time to leave for earth. What is my angel’s name?”

Happily, God answered, “You will call her Mother.”

Thanks be to God for the most beloved blessing of Mothers everywhere.

See you Sunday. We will honor Mothers.

Blessings upon blessings,

Hillary