Fifth Sunday of Easter
Dear Parishioner,
May 10th was the fifth anniversary of my Mother’s death. At the time of her death she was a resident of St. Joseph’s Home in Lacon, Illinois. I remember being called to St. Francis Hospital in Peoria on the day of her death. I was told my mother was being taken to the emergency room there. She died in route to the hospital. She had signed a “do not resuscitate order.” I was asked by the doctor if he should try to take extreme measures to try to bring her back to life. I knew her desires so we let her go.
My mother had various health crises over the last ten years of her life. She had come back from them all, but it was time for her to start the next chapter of her life. I knew this was how she viewed things. She was a person of great faith so death was not something that she feared.
Mothers can nurture their children in the faith. My Mom was very interested in Catholicism. Even though she had only a “country school” education she was an avid reader. When the Second Vatican Council took place, she read about the council as much as she could. She bought a book with all the documents of the council in it and she read it from cover to cover. She embraced the changes that took place. She was a reader at church, sat on various committees and was a Eucharistic minister.
She taught me how to pray. She did the same for my sister. She made sure that we made it to Mass each Sunday. Mom emphasized the liturgical seasons in our home. She could be brutally honest about the church. It hurt her when leaders of the church did not live out Gospel values. In the end, she loved her church despite its flaws. She taught me that an institution does not have to be perfect to be appreciated.
As we remember our mothers today I will remember mine and the great example she was of Christian living. I am sure she is not alone in her motherly example. I thank all mothers today who seek to pass on their faith to their children. There is no greater love than this.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark