Whoever receives one child such as this in my name, receives me (Mk 9:37).

As open-to-life Catholic mothers, we live out this reality on the daily. We know firsthand that whenever we welcome a child into our home, we are receiving Christ. All it takes is one gaze into the eyes of a newborn, and we are instantly transfixed, committed for life to this smallest of souls. We realize innately that this life has been given to us, it is not, in fact, our own. We are charged with the nurturing and protecting of this vulnerable child. And we will give of ourselves until there is nothing left, until we are utterly spent, and then we will find the strength to give even more. 

Our duties of motherhood are vast and immeasurable. It is the most noble of vocations. Not only are we charged with the physical aspects of sustaining a life, we also need to be emotional and spiritual life-givers. What an enormous responsibility. Who can be sure we are doing this right? It’s overwhelming at times. 

Wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without inconstancy or insincerity. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace for those who cultivate peace (Js 3:17-18).

This wisdom from on high is from where we can draw our strength. We see all around us the inconsistencies of this current culture. It assails us from every side, from all forms of media:

Let us beset the just one, because he is obnoxious to us; he sets himself against our doings (Ws 2:12).

We have experienced the judgmental sneers of those who don’t understand our convictions regarding this way of life. Christ had the same experience. We see the fruits amid the hardships of giving our lives fully to God, and we embrace it, even when we suffer injustice at the hands of others. God will bless our efforts, and he will show us in his own time, the wisdom of this way of life. He will vanquish our enemies and raise us up. 

We possess the secret, the key ingredient to happiness and joy both here and in Heaven. It is the key to our very vocation.

If anyone wishes to be first, he shall be the last of all and the servant of all (Mk 9:35).

This is our path, dear mothers. It is hard and holy, bitter and blessed, sorrowful, and soul-full. Let us take up our cross in hope! For we do not journey alone. 

Behold, God is my helper; the Lord sustains my life (Ps 54:4).