May 13, 2025 // Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Easter //  Optional Memorial of Our Lady of Fátima

Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: John 10:22-30

Reflect on the Word // 

The gift of being a mother goes beyond words—every mother in the world can gush about this, and really, every woman in the world can gush alongside her. In reality, as women, we all mother. It’s built right into us. Whether or not we are parenting our own biological children, we are mothering to some degree—spiritually; through mentorship; nurturing our friendships, relationships, and families; and caring for those in our orbit and for those whose orbits we are in. Don’t think of yourself as a mother? I challenge you to look deeper at your own life. I bet you mother more than you realize.

Because of this we all have a sense of the sheep and shepherd dynamic; we know what it’s like to feel like we are meant to keep watch over someone, and to give it all to keep them protected. We know what it’s like to feel confident that our voices are known, heard, and trusted. “My sheep hear my voice. I know them and they follow me” (John 10:27).

Of course, in our humanity we see a million flaws in our own lives, and perhaps we see a million flaws in our relationships. But this is the beauty of how God reflects His own love for us through our humanness, so that we can grasp it—even kinda sorta—and wonder at the immensity of His great care for us. If I can know the immense power of a child running into my arms for comfort, how much more does the Father desire to comfort me at any moment, and for any reason? If I can reach my hand out and know that, surely, a trusting little one will reach back to me, how much more does Jesus long for me to trust His presence in my life? Infinitely more.

Relate to the Lord // Take a deep breath and pray: Jesus, help me never to see to wonder at this reality—that I am Yours, and You are mine.