Today is Ferragosto, the holiday of the Assumption of Mary here in Italy. In Catholic faith it is understood that Mary was assumed by God into heaven, she was received this day. This day I will be received into the Catholic church, returning after 30+ years following my baptism in the Catholic church as a baby. It does feel totally like a reception: reception into a faith so strong with women, miracles and meaning, reception by my lovely friends who honor me with their celebration with me in this special event, and reception into new life, new hope, new possibilities.
In the process of confession, my priest repeated words I heard from the dear women of the Church of Mary Magdalene, from my friends here in Piegaro,and that rang in my ears when I knew it was time for Sabbatical, the words of the Holy Spirit: "you have done much in a short life, it is time to slow down." My priest also advised it was time to focus on the women of faith: Mary, Mary, Mary (all of the Marys) and the women saints of the church as mothers to carry me through. To pray with them, to them, through them, living with the love of those who would offer and do pray with us through eternity, for life here is a brief spot in eternity and we've been given eternal life, an eternity to pray with and for one another.
In life it is so important to recognize the importance of mothers, our own, those who inspire us in life, and even ourselves. To recognize the holiness of the act of mothering that is practiced even by those who have no children, but live in the actions of caring for others. Loving mothering is a divine action of faith, it is faith living and breathing. It is so important to recognize the assumption - reception of Mary into heaven, as a sacred valuing of God of her holy place as Mother of Jesus/mother to God and us all. To recognize the sacred place of OUR mother.
How do/can you practice the holy act of mothering?
How do you receive, and receive others into the embrace of God?
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