Today's Thoughts - 01/01/2017

Today's houghts: All throughout Advent and now into the Christmas season we have been reminded of the story of Mary, a simple woman, blessed, graced by God who when confronted with an opportunity to make a difference in the world did, not just once but over and over again. At every turn of life Mary took the opportunity not just to live through but to make a difference, not to waste time but to bring about the loving presence of God. She did it as the Mother of God, she did it as wife to Joseph, she it as mother to the beloved disciple and she does it as Mother of the Church for us.

Perhaps today is a good day to think about the gift that all mothers give and through the intersession of Mary, the Mother of God, ask God to bless, protect all mothers… Here are a few thoughts from others about mothers...

 “When you look into your mother’s eyes, you know that is the purest love you can find on this earth.” (Mitch Albom)

“Parents rarely let go of their children, so children let go of them. They move on. They move away. The moments that used to define them - a mother's approval, a father's nod - are covered by moments of their own accomplishments. It is not until much later, as the skin sags and the heart weakens, that children understand; their stories, and all their accomplishments, sit atop the stories of their mothers and fathers, stones upon stones, beneath the waters of their lives.” (Mitch Albom)

“The truth is, when our mothers held us, rocked us, stroked our heads - none of us ever got enough of that. We all yearn in some way to return to those days when we were completely taken care of - unconditional love, unconditional attention. Most of us didn't get enough.” (Mitch Albom)

“There's a story behind everything…but behind all your stories is always your mother's story…because hers is where yours begins.” (Mitch Albom)

“I don't know what it is about the food your mother makes for you, especially when it's something that anyone can make - pancakes, meat loaf, tuna salad - but it carries a certain taste of memory.” (Mitch Albom)

“Being a mother is an attitude, not a biological relationship.” (Robert A. Heinlein)

“When I find myself in times of trouble, mother Mary comes to me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me,
speaking words of wisdom, let it be.
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be.
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be. (Paul McCartney)

"My soul magnifies the Lord,
And my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” (Mary, Mother of Jesus)

“In a child's eyes, a mother is a goddess. She can be glorious or terrible, benevolent or filled with wrath, but she commands love either way. I am convinced that this is the greatest power in the universe.”  (N.K. Jemisin)

“Mothers and their children are in a category all their own. There's no bond so strong in the entire world. No love so instantaneous and forgiving.”  (Gail Tsukiyama)

Happy Feast of Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God to all mothers, especially expectant mothers! May we also remember all mothers who have passed from us.

Happy New Year everyone and have a blessed and joyous 2017. Have a great first day of 2017!