Mother

"Dear Brothers and Sisters: today I wish to return to the image of the Church as our Mother, by reflecting on all that our earthly mothers do, live and suffer for their children.  First, our mothers show us, through their tenderness and love, the correct path to follow in life, so that we may grow into adulthood.  So too the Church orients us on the path of life, indicating the way that leads to maturity.  Second, our mothers know how and when to accompany us with understanding through life and to help lead us back when we wonder off the right path.   The Church also accompanies us in mercy, in understanding, never judging us or closing the door, but offering forgiveness to help us return to the right course.  Third, as our mothers never grow tired of interceding for us, no matter our failings, so too the Church stays with us always and, through prayer, puts into the hands of the Lord all  our situations, difficulties and needs.  And so we see in the Church a good Mother who indicates the path to walk in life, who always accompanies us in patience, mercy and understanding, and who places us in God’s hands."