Washington, D.C. — Edmond McDonald wrote: “When God wants an important thing done in this world or a wrong righted, He goes about it in a very singular way. He doesn’t release thunderbolts or stir up earthquakes. God simply has a tiny baby born, perhaps of a very humble home, perhaps of a very humble mother. And God puts an idea or purpose into the mother’s heart. And she puts it in the baby’s mind, and then—God waits. The great events of this world are not battles and elections and earthquakes and thunderbolts. The great events are babies, for each child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged with humanity, but is still expecting goodwill to become incarnate in each human life.” And so God produces the leaders, artists, activists, and thinkers who go on to change the world. How many of them were blessed to be spurred on in childhood by a mother’s boundless encouragement and faith, or her determination to make a way out of no way?
This year has continued to bring uncharted challenges for parents everywhere, but Mother’s Day remains a time to celebrate all mothers and other caregivers who sow seeds of life and hope for the future. On this past Mother’s Day weekend I again offer special prayers.
A new baby is born
A new gift of life
A new gift of love
A new gift of joy
A new gift of hope
Make us good stewards of Your faith in the future.
Dear God, I thank You for the gift of this child to raise, this life to share, this mind to help mold, this body to nurture, and this spirit to enrich.
Let me never betray this child’s trust, dampen this child’s hope, or discourage this child’s dreams.
Help me dear God to help this precious child become all You mean him to be.
Let your grace and love fall on him like gentle breezes and give him inner strength and peace and patience for the journey ahead.
God, help me to weave a tapestry of love and not hate in my children, a spirit of tolerance and caring, and a dedication to freedom for all and not just some. God, help me to sow seeds of peace and justice in my children’s hearts today.
Oh God, help us to be worthy of the children You have entrusted to our care.
