Homily – 6th Sunday of Easter

Happy Mother’s Day

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, welcome to this beautiful celebration of the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Today, the Word of God reminds us that love is not simply a feeling, but a way of life. Jesus tells His disciples, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” At the heart of the Christian life is love — love for God and love for one another. And Jesus promises that we are never alone, because He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide, strengthen, and comfort us every day.

This weekend, as our nation also celebrates Mother’s Day, our hearts are filled with gratitude for all mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, adoptive mothers, and every woman who has shared the gift of nurturing love. A mother’s love reflects something sacred about the love of God Himself — patient, sacrificial, faithful, and life-giving. Many of us learned our first prayers from our mothers. Many first experienced kindness, forgiveness, and compassion through the gentle strength of a mother’s heart.

Today, the Scriptures beautifully connect with this celebration. Just as a loving mother never abandons her children, Jesus assures us in the Gospel: “I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you” Those words speak deeply to every human heart. Christ remains with us through the Holy Spirit, guiding us with tenderness and protecting us with divine love. The Gospel speaks directly about love. Jesus says: “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Jesus reminds us that love is not only words. Real love is shown in actions. That is exactly what many mothers do every single day. They may become tired, stressed, or overwhelmed, but they continue to love and care for their families. Jesus also says: “I will not leave you orphans.” These are comforting words. Jesus promises that He will remain with His people through the Holy Spirit. In many ways, mothers reflect that same comforting presence.

As we gather around this altar today, we thank God for the gift of mothers — those who are with us, those who have gone before us into eternal life, and even those whose sacrifices were known only to God. We also remember those for whom this day may be difficult: mothers who grieve, children who mourn their mothers, and families carrying silent pain. May the peace and love of Christ embrace every heart today.

My brothers and sisters, the greatest lesson a mother can give her children is not wealth or success, but faith in God. A mother who teaches her children to pray gives them something eternal. Today, let us thank God for our mothers. Let us pray for them. Let us support them. And let us ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus and our mother, to intercede for all families. May every mother here today know that her love, sacrifices, prayers, and faith matter deeply — not only to her family, but also to God.
With grateful hearts, let us now continue this Holy Mass, asking the Lord to fill our families with His love, His peace, and His living presence. Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, and may God bless you always. Amen.