There is a line in today’s Gospel that speaks to something deep in the human heart. “I will not leave you orphans.” And on this Mother’s Day, that line takes on a special meaning. Because if there is one person in our lives who most tries to make sure we are never alone…it is our mother.
Think about it. A mother’s love says, often without words, “I’m here.” “I’ve got you.” “You are not alone.” From the very beginning – before we could walk, before we could speak – someone held us, fed us, comforted us. And even as we grow older, that presence does not really go away. A mother may no longer be physically present…but her love remains within us – guiding, shaping, comforting.
That is exactly the kind of presence Jesus is talking about in the Gospel. The disciples are anxious. Jesus has just told them he is leaving. And you can imagine the fear rising up in them. “What are we going to do now?”
Those are the same questions we ask in life when something changes: a spouse dies – a child moves away – our health weakens, when the ground shifts beneath our feet and suddenly the world feels unfamiliar. They are what one writer calls the “orphan questions.” Who is with me? Where do I turn? What happens next? And into that fear, Jesus speaks this promise: “I will not leave you orphans.” Not, “I won’t leave” – because he is leaving. But I will not leave you alone.”
In a way, that is something every good mother teaches her child. There comes a moment when a mother lets go – first steps, first day at school, first time leaving home. She cannot always stand right beside her child. But what she has given – her love, her values, her strength – lives inside that child. So, the child is never truly alone. A simple image: Think about a child learning to ride a bike. At first, the parent runs alongside – hand on the seat, steadying them. But there comes a moment when the parent lets go. And for a second, the child might feel alone – maybe even panic. But the truth is – everything the parent gave them is still there – the balance, the confidence, the strength. They are not abandoned – they are empowered.
That is what Jesus is doing. He is not abandoning the disciples. He is deepening his presence. He promises the Advocate, the Holy Spirit. “I am in my Father – and you in me – and I in you.” His presence moves from beside them to within them.
And so today we give thanks for our mothers – for those who are still with us, and for those who now live in God. We thank them for all the ways they have reflected God’s own promise. “I will not leave you.” And we also recognize something deeper: Even the best mother’s love is only a glimpse of God’s love. Because human love, as beautiful as it is, has limits. But Christ’s love does not. And Jesus tells us how to stay connected to that love: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” In other words – love as I have loved you. Love your neighbor. Love your family. Love the person who annoys you. Even love your enemy. Because every time we love, we make room for Christ to live in us more fully.
So, on this Mother’s Day, here is the invitation: If your mother is still with you – honor her, thank her, love her. If she has passed – remember her, pray for her, and give thanks for the love that still lives in you. And no matter your story – whether it is filled with gratitude, or grief, or even wounds – hear the Lord’s promise again: “I will not leave you orphans.” Not then. Not now. Not ever.