THE DIVINE SUPPORT AND THE MOTHERLY ROLE OF THE CHURCH

THE DIVINE SUPPORT AND THE MOTHERLY ROLE OF THE CHURCH

A Gospel Reflection for the 6th Sunday of Easter - May 10, 2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all mother figures! The Church is the mother of all the faithful, playing an irreplaceable role in nurturing, protecting, and giving life to believers through the sacraments, especially baptism. This motherly care mirrors the nurturing love of Mary and is celebrated through occasions like Mothering Sunday and the memorial of Mary, Mother of the Church. Mothers, both in families and in the wider community, are the heart of nurturing, support, and growth. Just as a family cannot thrive without the love and strength of a mother, so too the Church relies on the Holy Spirit for guidance, strength, and vitality. The Holy Spirit is the soul of the Church, empowering and sustaining all who belong to it. Both mothers and the Holy Spirit are essential for life, growth, and perseverance within the family of faith and the family at home.

Still within the joy of the resurrection, we celebrate the work of God accomplished by Our Lord Jesus Christ. In this great season, we read from the Acts of the Apostles to express the continuation of the work of Christ. In the coming days, we will celebrate the descent of the Holy Spirit to crown the work of Christ. It marks the fullness of the divine support on human beings, that is, the salvation of mankind. Consequently, the work of our Lord Jesus Christ originates from God the Father, and the Holy Spirit fulfils the same job. Hence, there is the participation of the Trinity in all spiritual activities.

In the life of the early Church, there was the enthusiasm to preach and spread the Gospel, and it was the desire to propagate the Kingdom of Christ in the whole world. The Apostles and the disciples performed many heroic acts: living in communion (Koinonia), teaching the Word (Kerygma), and serving the people (Diakonia). That is why we have the three major structures of the Church: Koinonia, Kerygma and Diakonia. Our parish community is different from a social organization; the teaching is not mere oratory; the service is not ordinary human work. The community of the people of God gathers in His name. In the words of the Gospel, "Where two or three gather, I am in their midst. Whatever they ask of me in prayer, I will do it for them." We gather to feel the divine presence and to radiate the same to the world.

When we gather for the liturgy, we also gather to share the Word of God. It is not an empty word. It is the Word that existed in the beginning and created everything, and the Word that took flesh and dwells among us. The Word has the power to save and set us free. Christ said, "Don't worry about what to say or how to say it because the Spirit of God will reveal that to you and challenge you to refute all the attacks of the enemies." The words that we preach are not ours but the divine word that transmits power and radiates joy to the hearers.

The work belongs to God as we participate in the different ministries in the Church. We should serve with gentleness and reverence. Consider those you are working for and remember whose work you are doing. Fulton Sheen said that you cannot do the work of God and forget God in the work. St Peter asks us to "Always be ready to give explanations for our faith with reverence and gentleness" and to take risks for Christ even when we face discouragements. It is better to suffer in doing what is right than in what is evil. In doing God's work, God's will comes first.

Even with the beautiful qualities and zeal of the early Christians, challenges and crises arose. These difficulties reveal the necessity of the Holy Spirit, whose power alone enables the Church to flourish. Just as families turn to mothers for perseverance, comfort, and wisdom, the Church depends on the Holy Spirit for unity, guidance, and resilience. Christ is the Head, we are the Body, and the Holy Spirit is the heart that keeps the Church alive and active. Without the Spirit of God, the structure cannot endure. In all our ministries, whether nurturing, teaching, or serving, we rely on the Holy Spirit, much as we depend on mothers for the well-being of our families. We continually invite the Holy Spirit to inspire, guide, and dwell with us always.

Loving God, source of all life, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, who guides and sustains Your Church. As the Spirit breathes new life into us, may we be ever attentive to Your promptings and open to Your grace. We give thanks for mothers everywhere, and for all who nurture, protect, and inspire others with selfless love. Grant that, following their example and strengthened by the Holy Spirit, we may continue to build up our families and communities in faith, hope, and charity. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

by Father John Offor