On Mother's Day

Folks who belong to the Judeo-Christian tradition are accustomed to viewing God as their father. There are many reasons for this: the paternalistic nature of ancient Israel and the fact that fathers have traditionally been viewed as the providers, protectors and disciplinarians of our families. Nevertheless, we sometimes forget that the first chapter of Genesis portrays both genders (male and female) of the human kind as reflecting the image of God (see Genesis 1:26-27). So, mothers were also created in the image of God?

Does that imagery fit? Does God also reflect the roles which we normally assign to mothers?

Let's take just a moment to contrast the familial roles which we normally assign to fathers (providers, protectors and disciplinarians) with those which we have traditionally assigned to mothers (nurturers, comforters and teachers). Many of us think of our mothers as the person who cares for and encourages the growth and development of her children. Likewise, we have traditionally associated our mothers with the person who wipes away the tears and comforts us when we are distressed, and the one who is most directly responsible for teaching or instructing us in the ways of life.

Once upon a time, after chronicling the rebelliousness of Jerusalem, it is interesting to note Christ's response in this connection. He is reported to have said: "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones God’s messengers! How often I have wanted to gather your children together as a hen protects her chicks beneath her wings, but you wouldn’t let me." (see Matthew 23:37) Jesus Christ as a mother hen protecting her chicks? In similar fashion, Scripture portrays the Holy Spirit as Comforter and God "himself" as the source of all comfort (see John 14-16 and II Corinthians 1:3). And, finally, we remember how the Apostle Paul commended Timothy's mother and grandmother for the roles which they had played in teaching him about God (see II Timothy 1:5).

In this regard, it is also interesting to note that Paul chose to portray the old and new covenants as MOTHERS in his epistle to the saints of Galatia (see Galatians 4:21-31). He said that Hagar represented the covenant given at Mount Sinai, and that her children were enslaved to the law. For Paul, this woman stood in stark contrast to the mother whom he chose to represent the New Covenant - the one who represented these Galatian Christians. He wrote: "But the other woman, Sarah, represents the heavenly Jerusalem. She is the free woman, and she is our mother." (verse 26)

Hmmmmm, God as nurturer, comforter and teacher? Yeah, it appears to me that this imagery is just as valid and appropriate as that which portrays God as our Father!

So, on this day which we have designated to honor our mothers, let's remember all of the Godly roles which our mothers have played in our lives. Let's remember to say thank you for the love, care and concern which they have always lavished on us. Let's thank our mothers for their soothing and healing hands and words. And, let's all thank the God whose characteristics they most certainly reflect!