Mothers and fathers are great examples of self-giving love. William Manaker, SJ, reflects on the example of parents and our call to serve one another. Based on the readings for Sunday, November 5, 2023.
Want to know what true Christian leadership is? Look at a mother or a father.
Hi, my name is William Manaker, and this is my one-minute reflection.
Although as a Jesuit I don’t have children of my own, I’m at the age when many of my friends are now married and raising families. For me, it’s been an amazing experience to see them pour out so much love for their children. It also challenges me to love those I serve with that kind of nurturing, self-giving love.
In today’s second reading, Paul uses the image of a nursing mother to describe his love and care for the Thessalonians. As a mother gives not only milk to her child, but her very self, so Paul shared himself with the community, working night and day for them. And he did it with a motherly gentleness and love.
Today, let’s look to the mothers and fathers we know who are models of self-giving love, and let them teach us true Christian leadership.
