Dear Saints,
The definition of the word invincible is “incapable of being conquered, overcome, or subdued.” The dictionary offers the example of a victorious warrior for context, but with due respect to Merriam and Webster, I think they’d have been more right had they offered the example of a mother’s love.
A mother’s love can’t be conquered because it’s permanent. Neither setbacks nor suffering will erode its staying power: even when circumstances change - whether through distance, conflict, or even death - a mother’s love will outlast every other force on earth.
A mother’s love can’t be overcome because it’s fierce. Throughout human history, mothers have endured hardship, danger, and heartbreak for the sake of their children. A mama bear of any species will rip a foe to shreds if that’s what protection of her young requires, and she won’t hesitate to throw herself in the way if need be.
And a mother’s love can’t be subdued because it’s radically self-giving. A mother willingly sacrifices time, comfort, safety, sleep - even her own sense of self - for the sake of her child. In that, maternal love is a participation in the greatest power in the world.
When I think about my own mother, I am reminded of something Saint Thérèse of Lisieux once said: "The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the love of a Mother." Formed by hidden sacrifice and steady compassion, she bears witness to something extraordinary in even the most ordinary of times, and I am grateful for her example.
Today we pause to reflect on the gift of motherhood and give thanks for all the women who show us what true invincibility means: steadfast in the fight, unbroken in spirit, and relentless in devotion. Happy Mother’s Day!
Christ’s Peace,
Father Daniel
δοῦλος Χριστοῦ Ἰησοῦ