motherhood in general. As spring gives birth to summer we see
everything springing to life. It is a primordial instinct to honour
that place of our birth in both a physical and spiritual sense at this
time of year.
As Catholics we honour Mary as that feminine connection with the
holy which gives us an intimate grounding of our humanity in grace.
Mary and all mothers make that overwhelming gift self that is necessary
to give life. Starting with the all encompassing embrace of the womb, a
mother's journey is an endless self giving of letting go... to give
life. Gratitude is the only response to such an uncalculating act of
giving.
We bring the first fruits of creation and honour Mary and our
mothers with the flowers of the field. The cut flowers mirror the
fleeting gift of life we are called to share. The bounty of life is
celebrated as our gratitude expresses itself in generousity.
As we celebrate this cycle of life we grow in relationship and
deepen the trust that sustains and supports us. Yes, flowers writher
and fade but their gift is the present. They are more than mere
decorations, they are fleeting expressions of love celebrating God's
bounty.