Mom: Life Giver in Violent Times

The Gospel of John from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today reveals the mystery of Jesus going away yet remaining with people through Presence of the Spirit. On Mother’s day we recall the life giving presence of our Mom. The life giving continues even though Mom may have died. This day of Life is reflected in the text from Revelation where John (not the evangelist) experiences a vision of the New Jerusalem. He speaks that “I saw no temple in the city“. The Light of the Life of the indwelling Divine Spirit becomes the Temple” As the Acts of the Apostles relates the decision of the Council of Jerusalem that the Gentiles need not convert to Judaism or live by Jewish custom, the proclamation of the psalmist that the Nations are called to Praise God is initiated. Today also brings remembrance of the May 9 explosion at the West Ray Mine eighteen years ago. Violence which was rooted in the lack of diligence and care claimed miner’s lives. Violence still rages in our society. Today, Mother’s Day, the CBC headlines feature (4) stories of violence involving women. We honour Mom and we need to find, from the indwelling Spirit, the peace which the world cannot give to bring violence to an end.