Today we celebrate the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin 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 Christ?), but because of Jesus. It is her Son who made her holy.
Today, in light of this, 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, and little by little, 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. If we recall Aquinas’ definition of love as a decision, and that it 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. And of course, this continues throughout a child’s life, as we feed them, care for them, and provide for them.
Patience! Oh, the patience this child has required of me. And what a gift that the Holy Spirit gives me these opportunities so my patience can increase. This, and the exercise and development of 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.
The parenting role itself helps me to understand the heart of God, as well. I know that He gives me everything I need to succeed and all that I need to help me to grow. He doesn’t just do things for me when it gets hard. He gives me the tools, He assures me that I have the ability, and He does things with me. When I do these same things with my child, 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 an 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, though it is still a partial reflection).
These are just a few ways I can think of that our children sanctify us, and of course, we need to nurture our own prayer life to grow in holiness as well, turning to God on our parenting journey, and in all that we do. Remember, God does not call us to things for no purpose; He calls us with a view to sanctification, and parenthood is just one such calling. 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.
How have your children helped you to grow in holiness? I’d love to hear about your experiences!
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 