Let’s keep our eyes on mom, just like Betty

Baby Betty being lifted up by her mom on the day of her Baptism

Meet Betty - the newest jewel in my grandma crown - a crown that now includes pink for our first girl! Bring on the tea parties! Betty is only four months old but she’s smart - no matter where she is in any given place, she keeps her eyes on mom, because she knows that’s where she’ll be loved, comforted and above all, fed! Betty can teach us a lot about how to depend on our heavenly mom, whose ultimate goal is to lead us to her son Jesus.

I have a statue of the Blessed Mother in my backyard - I brought it back from Lourdes last summer (thankfully Bill travels light and had room in his suitcase). From just about any room in our house, I can look out and see her. Often it’s just a quick glance over the top of my computer or gazing up from a sink full of dishes. But I like knowing she’s there. Why look to her? Why seek her face from across the room? Three reasons.

She loves us: We all need a loving mother, especially one who’s so intimately connected with Jesus! So whether our earthly mother was a fountain of love and a pillar of faith or more of a dry well in the midst of a desert, Mary meets us where we’re at and showers us with the kind of love that only she can give.

She comforts us: One of Mary’s titles is Our Lady of Sorrows - she endured tremendous suffering, especially at the foot of the cross, so she’s uniquely equipped to help us bear our sorrows too. She’s a sturdy shoulder to cry on - she dries our tears and reminds us that our Father will never leave us nor forsake us.

She nourishes us: Like any good Jewish (or Lebanese) mom, Mary delights in feeding her kids. And what does she desire to feed us more than anything? Jesus, made truly present to us in the Eucharist at every Mass. Mary always sets a place for us at the Lord’s table, so let’s not be late for supper!

Mary is our mom and May is her month - a time to honor and celebrate Our Lady’s role in salvation history and the gift she is to all of us. May we turn to her often and instinctively - to receive love, comfort and nourishment for the journey. And may we always keep our eyes on mom, just like baby Betty!