Called to Care: Reflections on Mother’s Day

At its core, Mother’s Day invites us to pause and reflect on the sacred nature of care. For many, it is a day filled with gratitude, celebration, and cherished memories. For others, this day may carry grief, longing, or complicated emotions. Yet at the heart of this day is something deeper than cards or flowers – it is the quiet, faithful calling to love one another well.

One of the most moving examples of this calling appears in John 19:25b–27. As Jesus was on the cross in the midst of suffering, he looked down and saw his mother standing nearby alongside one of his disciples. Scripture tells us, “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, the disciple took Mary into his home to care for her.”

Even in his final moments, Jesus demonstrated profound compassion, care, and responsibility. He ensured that his mother would not be left alone. In his suffering, Jesus remained attentive to the needs of another. This tender exchange reminds us that care is not merely a feeling or compelled by a societal title —it is an act of faithful presence.

This passage also broadens our understanding of family. Jesus formed a new bond between his mother and his disciple, showing that community is meant to care for one another. We are not called only to honor our biological families, but also to expand our understanding of family to create spaces of belonging and care for all.

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate those who have nurtured us, but we are also invited to ask ourselves an important question: Who are we called to care for? Perhaps it is an aging parent, a grieving friend, a struggling neighbor, a child who needs encouragement, or even ourselves.

In a world that often values productivity over presence, the example of Jesus at the cross reminds us that love makes room for all people. Care is holy work. It is found in phone calls, meals shared, prayers whispered, tears comforted, hand holding, and life’s moments carried together.

This Mother’s Day, may we give thanks for every expression of nurturing love we have received, and may we remain attentive to those entrusted to our care—offering compassion, dignity, and presence in ways both large and small.

Blessings to you on this journey,

Kelly