The Motherly Side of God

One of Rembrandt’s famous paintings is “The Return of the Prodigal Son.”  Here, the painter has a unique illustration of the father which Henri Nouwen, the great spiritual writer, picked up. In his book, “The Return of the Prodigal Son,” Nouwen, reflects on how Rembrandt painted the hands of the father. Nouwen writes, “As soon as I recognized the difference between the two hands of the father, a new world of meaning opened for me. The Father is not simply a great patriarch. He is mother as well as father. He touches the son with a masculine hand and a feminine hand. He holds, and she caresses. He confirms and she consoles. He is, indeed, God, in whom both manhood and womanhood, fatherhood and motherhood, are fully present. That gentle caressing right hand echoes for me the words of the prophet Isaiah, “Can a woman forget her baby at the breast, feel no pity for the child she has borne? Even if these were to forget, I shall not forget you. Look, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands.”

I believe this is a great reflection on who our God is especially as we celebrate Mother’s Day. I dare to say that Nouwen is right on in saying that we cannot deny the motherly characteristic of God. Mother’s love is that deep, all embracing, nourishing, nurturing, warm, safe, supportive love that soothes the places inside our hearts that feels sacred and lonely. Isn’t that what God’s love is all about? Through our mothers God becomes more tangible, visible, and evident.

Today, we celebrate the gift of motherhood. We remember all those who have taken the role of a mother, not only biological mothers, but all those who have offered us the gift of a mother. For the times spent staying up late waiting for us, caring for us, worrying for us, thank you. For the wisdom offered in times of confusion, thank you. For the warm embraces given to us when we are sad, thank you. For forgiving us, understanding us and being patient with us, thank you. And we say to our God, thank you for giving us these wonderful women in our life.

On behalf of Fr. John, Mrs. Douthit, and the rest of the parish and school staff, I wish all mothers a very Happy Mothers’ Day!