Today we celebrate the Assumption of Mary. It is a remembrance practiced from the early church of the Blessed Mother being taken up body and soul into heaven because she was holy. As the New Ark of the Covenant, we know she was not holy on her own merit (who is, other than Jesus Christ?), but because of Jesus. It is her Son who made her holy.
Today, I want to reflect on how our children should also sanctify us. Obviously they won’t be able to do so in the same, perfect way that Mary was sanctified by the Lord, but in their own way, they draw us closer to God.
Let’s start at the beginning, when you become a mother. As soon as you find out you’re pregnant, and earlier for couples who consciously make a decision to try to conceive, think about the sacrifices you make, the inconveniences you accept, when this baby first arrives in your life. You already make your best efforts to give them the best start possible by avoiding certain foods, consuming certain others, accepting the fatigue and anxieties and all the aches and pains that occur throughout pregnancy. Calling to mind that love is a decision, and involves action to will the good of the other, pregnancy is where that self-giving love first manifests in a mother. Your child needs you to nourish and protect it from the earliest days, and without question, that is what good mothers do. This call to self-sacrifice is one way we can become more like Christ, another way to express love. And of course, this continues throughout a child’s life, as we feed them, care for them, and provide for them.
Another sanctifying grace comes to mind when I think of our prayer as a family as part of the bedtime routine. This has been one of the parts of the day I look forward to the most, as we all get to share our hearts before the Lord. And prayers are really about changing our hearts, so we are definitely growing in holiness! I am so grateful for the time we spend changing our hearts as a family.
There is also patience! Oh, the patience this child has required of me, through the newborn days, whenever there’s a sleep regression, those clingy days of teething, and on it goes… What a gift it is that the Holy Spirit gives me these opportunities so my patience can increase. This and other God-like qualities (understanding, self-control, think along the lines of the gifts and fruits of the Spirit), should continue to increase as we journey in parenthood.
That said, there are moments of innocence that give me a glimpse into how God must delight in us, as his sons and daughters. This increases awe and wonder (fear of the Lord!), and especially my gratitude for Christ’s sacrifice, as without it, we would never be seen as such!
The parenting role itself helps me to understand the heart of God, as well. He gives me everything I need to succeed, but to help me to grow, He doesn’t just do things for me. He gives me the tools, He gives me the ability, and He does things with me. I can understand how pleased He would be when I overcome a challenge or learn something new, and when I spend time with Him. Naturally, this should help deepen my relationship with the Lord, as it gives me some insight into the depths of His love for me (still remembering that His love for me is perfect and mine for my child is far from it).
Our last point today is that of unconditional love. My love for my child is immense and unconditional, and yet I know that the Lord’s love for me is even more than this. He loves all of us perfectly, and that humbling thought is probably one of the most amazing things parenthood offers.
These are just a few ways I can think of that our children sanctify us. God does not call us to things for no purpose. He calls us with a view to sanctification. Just as Mary said “yes” to God and allowed Him to sanctify her perfectly through Christ, as parents, we too should follow His will, allowing Him to sanctify us through our children.
Have you ever taken a break from trying to help your child grow in holiness and thought about how your children help to enhance your own spiritual life? Why not take a moment to reflect on this now, and share your thoughts in the comments? I’d love to hear the awesome things God is doing in your lives through your children – they truly are blessings!
Until next time, let’s pray for each other. And remember, we can do Mom things through Christ who strengthens us!
Mom Things Through Christ 