May 8, 2005
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For Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day :
Beatitudes for Parents
Blessed are the parents who refuse to compare their children with others.
Blessed are the Fathers and Mothers who have learned to laugh, for it is the music of the child’s world.
Blessed are those parents who accept the awkwardness of their growing children, letting each child grow at their own speed.
Blessed are the parents who can say “No” without anger.
Blessed are the parents who take their children to church, for it gladdens their hearts.
Blessed are the parents who are teachable, for understanding brings love.
Blessed are the parents who love their children in the midst of a hostile world, for love is the Greatest Gift of all.
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Mothers in God’s Service
Whether we are aware of it or not, we are all called to serve God. Whatever talents He has given us, we should choose to use in the service of His glorification. One such talent is the ability of a woman to care for the children she bears. She takes care of their physical needs and also tries to promote what she herself perceives as a need to know God. To women, God has given the wonderful mission of raising children, of building little temples for Him, raising another generation inspired to praise God.
Orthodox Christians understand just how exalted motherhood is. Has God not willed to be incarnate of a woman – Mary, the blessed offspring of aged Joachim and Anna? She was found worthy to take part in the mystery of the incarnation, having perfected in her soul purity, humility, obedience, silence, simplicity and a gentle disposition. She knew that such is precious in the sight of God (I Pet. 3:4). And in the environment of her purity of mind and speech, as well as her quiet comportment, she raised her holy Son with gentle love and care. While she is unique in her holiness, she is absolutely beautiful in her humanity. Perhaps every woman cherishes the wish in her heart to have the special grace that renders the Mother of God the saint of saints and the model of purity and silence.
To all who are called by God to motherhood, may it be granted not only to be worthy servants of His chosen flock, but also to take part in raising that God-glorifying generation. While God entrusts the leading to spiritual growth and development of virtues to many people, including priests and godparents, He chooses women to serve Him in motherhood, and we ought to understand that it is a holy calling. A woman worthy of being called “mother” is also worthy of being deemed “martyr” because raising children is a great sacrifice of self. Do not underestimate the serious and holy service you render when you accept from God to raise the little ones He gives you.
Happy Mother’s Day! Reprinted with permission from Life Transfigured: A Journal of Orthodox Nuns, Vol. 21, No. 2, Summer 1989, p.10. Holy Transfiguration Monastery, Ellwood City, PA.
© 1998 by Orthodox Family Life and the original author(s).
URL: http://www.theologic.com/oflweb.
Comments (2)
I know this is late but I wanted you to know that I loved this post! The beautitudes were wonderful! I liked this quote to as a reminder of how much value there is to raising my children even when I don’t feel it so much every day.
“Do not underestimate the serious and holy service you render when you accept from God to raise the little ones He gives you. ”
Amen!! :)
:)