Liz Lemon Swindle's painting "Mother" is one of my favorites.  I love to contemplate it as Mother's Day approaches within the Easter Season.  I picture Jesus visiting his mother, Mary, after his Resurrection and the conversation they must have had. 

Mary endured so much during the last painful days of Jesus' life, as any mother would.  She gave us an example of trust and faith in the darkest of times.  Anyone who has come face-to-face with the death of a loved one, knows a similar pain and can go to her in prayer for comfort and understanding.  Anyone who has seen a loved one maligned unjustly by the media, by friends, in the competitive workplace or even by "people of faith", know the anguish such treatment can cause.  

Yet, he is alive.   He came back to her and to his followers alive.   I picture him thanking her and assuring her that all was well.  I can see in her face a certain smile of gratitude to God for all the good things he had done for her.  I would not be surprised if she sang another Magnificat in her heart.


I pray for those I know who are suffering greatly right now.  Mary, comfort them.  Jesus, risen to be with us until and after the end of time, strengthen them to go through this part of everyone's earthly journey.   And thank you, Lord, for joy of the Resurrection which you bring to all of us who know your embrace so beautifully depicted in this work.  Thank you too, Liz Lemon Swindle!

Happy Mother's Day to each of our mothers, those celebrating in heaven and those with us here.   ALLELUIA!  HE IS RISEN!