Denver Catholic

4 MAY 2-8, 2015 | DENVER CATHOLIC In-Depth M others are on the front lines of today's society—just as they were in biblical times—sharing in the responsibility of raising a new gen- eration in faith and virtue. "Motherhood is a partnership between God and women," explained Deb Holi- day, instructor at the Denver Catholic Biblical School and mother of two. "We can look at all of those biblical characters (and see how they were) an integral part of God's plan of salvation." Modern-day mothers share a role in God's plan and can learn from the expe- riences of these holy women. "How do you teach children to be OK with being Christian in this world?" Hol- iday asked. "To face up to persecution? To encourage them not to deny Christ at a time when they just want to fi t in?" "You teach them to pray," she contin- ued, "and to listen to God." All women can fi nd themselves in mothers from the Bible, she said, includ- ing in their weaknesses. "None of them were perfect," accord- ing to Holiday, "and we can all relate to that." Everyone comes into the world with a mother, she continued, a gift to be grate- ful for. "(Mother's Day) is a good time to thank mothers for giving us life," she said, "And a good time to thank God for giving us mothers." EVE, the fi rst mother E ve, the fi rst woman, wife and mother, is known as the mother of humankind. She arrived on earth without a mother of her own. She was made by God in his image to be a helper to Adam. Together they fulfi lled God's pur- pose of populating the earth. Through Eve, God brought human rela- tionship, friendship and marriage into the world. Lesson: God's purpose for creation could not be fulfi lled without the equal participation of women. God wants to be obeyed out of love and choices made freely, though one must accept personal re- sponsibility for choices. Key verse: "The LORD God then built the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman." Gn 2:22 SARAH, mother of Isaac S arah was one of sev- eral women in the Bible unable to have children. This proved to be particularly di« cult for her because God had promised her husband, Abraham, he would be the father of the Jewish nation with "descendants as countless as the stars of the sky" (Gn 22:17). Later in life, though very old, she did conceive and bear a son, Isaac. Isaac would be the father of Jacob, who would father 12 sons who would head the 12 tribes of Israel. From the tribe of Judah would come David, and fi nally, Jesus. Lesson: Waiting for God to act can be one of the hardest tasks to face. A time of waiting may be part of God's precise plan. Key verse: "The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would; the LORD did for her as he had promised." Gn 21:1 HANNAH, mother of Samuel H annah, like sev- eral other women in the Bible, was barren. People in ancient Israel believed a large family was a blessing from God, thus infertility was a source of humiliation and shame. To make matters worse, her husband's other wife not only bore children, but taunted Hannah. She prayed fervently and prom- ised God if she bore a son, she would give him back for his service. After becoming pregnant and giving birth to Samuel, she followed through on that promise and handed him over to Eli for training as a priest. God blessed Hannah with three more sons and two daughters. Samuel grew up to be a judge, prophet and counselor. Lesson: Remain perse- verant in prayer. Even after a long period of praying for the same thing, do not give up. Honor promises to God. Key verse: "Eli said, 'Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have requested.'" 1 Sm 1:17 DEBORAH, mother of Israel D eborah, though she is not believed to have been a physical mother, was a spiritual mother. She was a wife, warrior, prophet- ess and the only female judge mentioned in the Bible. She was raised up by God to lead successful attacks against Israel including Sisera, the general of Jabin's army. Deborah, portrayed as a strong independent woman, held a place of authority, respect and infl uence in Israel. Lesson: When called on by God, respond with courage, wisdom and vir- tue. Be confi dent God will provide what is needed in battle and when in a position of leadership. Key verse: "I will cer- tainly go with you," she replied, 'but you will not gain glory for the expe- dition on which you are setting out, for it is into a woman's power that the LORD is going to sell Sisera.'" Jgs 4:9 ELIZABETH, mother of John the Baptist T he inability to bear a child is again a theme with Eliz- abeth. Both she and her husband Zechariah were past child-bearing years, yet she conceived at an old age through the grace of God. When the angel Gabriel told Zechariah the news in the temple, he became mute because he did not believe. While Elizabeth was pregnant, her cousin Mary, the expectant mother of Jesus, visited her. John leaped for joy on hearing Mary's voice. When John was born, Zechariah's speech returned. Lesson: Do not underes- timate God's tremendous love. He can be a God of surprises, and sometimes, when it's least expected, he touches lives with miracles. Key verse: "But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John." Lk 1:13 MARY, mother of Jesus M ary was an ordi- nary Jewish teenage girl, recently engaged to Joseph, when the angel Gabriel came to her. She couldn't have expected the news she would hear—that she would have a child, and her son would be the Messiah. Mary responded with obedience. She was the only human being to be with Jesus throughout his entire life —from his birth until his death. While her calling held great honor, it also involved great suf- fering as she journeyed with Jesus to his crucifi x- ion. Mary is the epitome of true motherhood, in its work, joy and pain. Lesson: Be obedient, faithful and trust in God. Submit to God's plan, with an unqualifi ed yes, despite the costs. Key verse: "And com- ing to her, he said, 'Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you.'" Lk 1:28 SOURCES: ABOUT RELIGION, DENVER CATHOLIC BIBLICAL SCHOOL Raising generations in faith Lessons from mothers in the Bible BY JULIE FILBY 303-715-3123 julie.fi lby@archden.org www.twitter.com/DenCathJulie

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