God is like our Mother

"As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you." Is 66:13

Isaiah does not hesitate, in trying to help us understand and be transformed by the inexplicable love of God, to tell us that God is like our mother, always wanting to comfort and strengthen us during every trial. Reminding us that God is our creator, Isaiah also assures us that God is always near and wants to be of service to us, not unlike a young mother helping her children learn to walk. But there is more.

Mothers in the ancient world were the first and often the only teachers of their children. Not only did they help them learn the daily tasks that keep a household functioning, they also taught them the Torah. We can only imagine Mary teaching Jesus in this regard. It becomes obvious in the Gospels that Jesus was well schooled in the Torah and the prophets. Quoting often from the prophets especially, there should be little doubt that his interpretation bore the imprint on his mother's influence. Reminding everyone that the Sabbath was made for the people, not the people for the Sabbath, Jesus challenges his listeners and the authorities not to be rigid in observing the Sabbath but to remember that all the prohibitions of the Sabbath were intended to help believers rest and renew themselves in Jewish life and values. How like a mother to remind us of our priorities.

More often than not, it is mothers who can calm us, assure us, listen to and encourage us to keep moving forward despite the obstacles. Whether it is because they have more time for us or more heart is not the issue. Rather, mothers know us from the inside. They see our souls and while they can manipulate us easily if they are not careful, they can also set us free. The God who tells us she is like our mother can set us free like no other. Secure in God's love, we can live the Gospel with freedom and passion.

Today, be a mother to someone who needs your comfort.

What image of God most draws you out of yourself?