To Mothers Who Change the World
By O. Henry Swartzentruber
Our culture tends toward measuring a person's worth by professional output and economic status. Men in particular, when you first meet them, will ask, "So, what do you do?" A reminder: all humans are human beings, not "human doings." This concept must be understood this week. I think back to my kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Church, who would read to me and give me attention even though she had 20+ other six-year-olds. The positive impact is eternal.
The irreplaceable role of a mother (for "mother", I am also referring to mother figures and female mentors in this article) is overlooked in modern culture. Society suggests that staying home to raise children is a minor or secondary pursuit. Sadly, this was not until the 1960s-70s, some 50 years ago. When the mother role is viewed through a lens of eternity, motherhood is the most vital, lasting, and sacred callings a mother can have on earth.
A famous quote is that mothers are the "strongest antidote to the spread of self-centered individualism." Motherhood stands as a witness to sacrificial love, self-giving, and communal care of others. We need mothers now more than ever.
The mother's role extends far beyond providing physical care; she is the primary educator of the soul. My wife sent me this quote from a book, "Eve in Exile: by Rebekah Merkle:
"A woman raising her children is not only shaping the next generation, she is also shaping little humans whose souls are going to live forever. The souls she gave birth to are immortal. Immortal. And somehow, our culture looks at a woman who treats that as if it might be an important task and says, 'It's a shame she's wasting herself. She could be doing something important—like filing paperwork for insurance claims.'"
The mother directly participates in a divine mission. Office paperwork and corporate milestones will eventually fade. The soul of a child endures forever. Raising a family is not a distraction or side note from doing something important; it is important. It is the mission.
It is a daily commitment, 24/7. The hardest of the hard work. And the vocation of motherhood is not limited to those who have given biological birth. There are also those female teachers, grandmothers, godmothers, and female mentors. I think about the women that impacted my own life, Mrs. Church, Mrs. Brothers, and many others. These women offer maternal love to all who are spiritually hungry, ensuring that the light of the faith is passed down to future generations.
For Mother's Day, we reflect on this highest and eternal calling. And we are encouraged to show our gratitude in meaningful ways:
Pray for them: for mothers and all women who are struggling, grieving, or in need of strength.
Express Your Thanks: Reach out with a note of appreciation to a biological or spiritual mother who helped shape your faith. Thank them.
Through quiet, daily acts of love, mothers mirror our Lord's own self-gift. Mothers are necessary to transform the home into a domestic church—a sacred space where faith, hope, and charity can flourish. The world is a dark place without our mothers. See them and thank them.