What to get mom for her birthday?

Every year when my mom’s birthday is around the corner, my siblings and I ask, “What do you want for your birthday, Mom?”   After a thoughtful pause, her answer is always, “I don’t want any gifts.  I just want my family to be around me, having a good time together.”  

Traditionally, on September 8th the Church celebrates the birthday of Our Heavenly Mother, Mary.  Since it falls on a Sunday, the Liturgy celebrated will be the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary time.  However, we can still celebrate the grand gift that God gave to us in the Immaculate Conception, birth, and life of Mama Mary.  The question still remains: what to get Mama for her birthday?

I propose five simple gifts that Mama Mary will love!

1. Mom loves a clean room.  Make an effort to go to Confession to clean out the “room” of your soul.  She is a tender Mother, drawing us to the fount of Mercy at her Son’s crucified side.  Be not afraid.
2. Mom loves to brag about her Son.  She loves when we share His great love with others.  Tell someone how much Jesus loves them; that He loves them so much that He gave us His Mother.
3. Mom loves when you ask her for things you want.  Really.  She won’t turn you down, unless it goes against her Son’s will.  You just need to ask.
4. Mom loves when you get along with your brothers and sisters.  Do a kind deed for someone.  Maybe you need to forgive someone, or to spend some time with someone who is in need.  It is worth it for the sake of love.
5. Mom loves when the whole family is at home for dinner.  Total consecration is the surest way to the family table in the banquet hall of Heaven.  You can read more about consecration here: www.consecration.com.  If you are already consecrated, renew your consecration with filial trust, and invite someone else to be consecrated.

Let’s give our heavenly Mother the best gift: ourselves. Worried you’re not good enough? Don’t. In this case, it REALLY is the thought that counts! St. Maximilian reminded us that that she knows how to use “rusty instruments” to paint masterpieces, so don’t be afraid. Let Mary paint a masterpiece with your life. NOTHING could make her happier.  Happy Birthday, Mama Mary!