From Fr. Tom,
For me personally, few things make me smile more than a mother with her infant and/or with a few little toddlers tagging along as she walks through a store. My first comment to those moms is this: “Looks like you’re busy!” The non-verbal look (forehead down, eyes raised) I get in response says: “No kidding!” That look from the moms is precious because it reflects their tiredness but also the fact that they would not have it any… other… way. Imagine the look on Mary’s face when Jesus, her child, was born…now imagine her look and feelings when she held Him after the soldiers took Him down from the cross. She first cradled Jesus in her arms as a newborn infant, and again at the end of His life as the redeemer of all humankind. With Mary, the cycle of life and death ends up with eternal life! Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you. Blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
