We follow the early church in the Acts of the Apostles as they deal with the many issues of a growing Christian population. One of the issues is about whether one first needs to be Jewish.  Another issue which arose in last week’s reading was the ministry for service to the various neglected groups.  The church not only looked after its own members, they also helped others which contributed to their extraordinary growth despite fierce persecution.  New members were received into the Church by way of Baptism.  Through the Sacrament one can say a relationship was established between a child and mother long before it became known as such.

It was not until the 13^th century that the church became known as the “mother of all the faithful.”  Early in his pontificate Pope Francis talked about the Church as mother:

“The model of maternity for the Church is the Virgin Mary who in the fullness of time conceived through the Holy Spirit and gave birth to the Son of God. Her motherhood continues through the Church, who brings forth sons and daughters through baptism, whom she nourishes through the Word of God,”

The church as mother is a wonderful image to reflect on when we see through the lens of our relationship with our own mother.  For many, the church may not live up to this title, but for others the church has nurtured and loved them into life through education, healthcare and services to the marginalised.  Hence, in such a challenging world the promise of the Holy Spirit to guide and strengthen her always through ever age.

By Fr Hoang Dinh