By Fan Z.
Surely, I think, the purpose of the mothers in all their nurturing and caring is for the children, just as that of the doctors for the patients, governors for the citizens, and priests for the congregation. Yes, that is true. But the homily today also challenges me to think further.
I am reminded of the paragraph in Paul’s epistle to the Colossians where he said: “for by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible…all things were created by him, and for him.” So as great those individual purposes are, a far greater purpose exists, shared by all of these noble callings, which is to reflect the glory of Christ. The highest degree of goodness in each of these relationships show forth the goodness of Christ in its unique way in his perfect creation. To be a perfect mother is to be like Christ.
And the challenge does not stop there: when I am called by God’s grace to be like Christ, I am called to a life of sanctification to reflect his glory in all ways possible. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might”. In other words, to be like Christ, it is necessary to be nurturing like a mother, skillful like a physician, wise like a governor, and fervent like a priest.
But it is not easy to be a mother. No combination of words in the world can be enough to convey this point and to express how beautiful mothers are. I for one have definitely contributed to much headache and sorrow for my mom. Sometimes I just marvel at the existence of such a saint and warrior in my life, and many such saints and warriors in the world, generations after generations. And now I think if the calling to be a mother is this challenging and noble, how much more is being called a Christian?
Unfortunately, I seem to have taken this calling lightly. As I reflect upon it, I realize not only is my natural capacity unfit for my calling as a Christian, but also my attitude and inclination unacceptable. But this is the absurdity of God’s grace. He knows all about it and he does it anyway. He still tells me “ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me”, As the psalmist says. Praise the Lord for he is good. His creation is full of goodness, and his calling full of grace.
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