Earlier, we had a wonderful brunch put on by the Knights of Columbus after today's mass. Mothers had a order sheet that they filled out for their children to fulfill. It also doubled as a celebration for our upcoming graduates (who have their graduation tomorrow).
Meanwhile, today's readings deal with the need to have a love of Christ and His commandments in our hearts. Jesus' teachings were not about forming a religion, but rather about guiding people together in love. As mentioned in today's homily, so many people have turned away from Christ in the past several decades and yet are still groping for something more in their lives. Certainly, I would argue that many people who claim to be Christians have turned away from Christ even if they might claim to be His followers when polled. I feel that it's been the un-Christian acts of these misguided Christians who have turned so many people away. After all, how will people learn to embrace the love of Jesus when the people who claim to do so push intolerance and hatred?
Still, God is everywhere. His hand can be found in the molecular workings of the area around us, a dazzling complex dance following a pattern beyond our ability to comprehend. He wants us to join in that dance and recognize the beauty in the world and in one another. Without that love, His church is an empty and dull place filled with platitudes and traditions that are boring, empty gestures. With His love, one can find the beauty in every element in His church, in every action, in every song, and even in every silent moment.
We need to find that love and share it with one another--today, especially with all mothers.