I remember how devastating the words “momma’s boy” could be when I was around 7 or 8 years old.  If you were afraid to do something daring, cried when you got hurt or failed at a sport, the last thing you wanted to be called was a momma’s boy.  I fought hard against that moniker and many others that were thrown around like unwanted baseball cards when I was growing up in my neighborhood. Now that I’ve grown up and experienced a little of life, I don’t mind being called a momma’s boy anymore.

A few years ago when I was reading about our blessed mother the virgin Mary, I was deeply touched by the description in scripture of Jesus, while dying on the cross, giving the care of his mother over to the apostle John.  Jesus was not only giving His mother to John, but more importantly to all of us who would serve Him.  It is said that John took Mary to be His own mother and looked after her until she left the earth a few years later.  Mary, ever loving and patient, is always attempting to move her children closer to her son.  In this day and age when it is so easy to fall into the abyss of sin, despair, and rage, she is patiently calling us to come closer to her son and the glory that awaits those who do.  She is our Mother and we need to seek her out for the long haul.  She will keep a close watch on her children and help us to do better.  Mary will constantly pull us in the right direction and will not rest or leave us in the jaws of an attacker.  She will be as patient as she needs to be to get us back on track and on the way home.  A relationship with Mary in no way impacts a close relationship with Jesus.  Mary doesn’t get jealous when we spend a lot of time with Jesus, she encourages it.  On the other hand if we allow ourselves to get distracted and pulled away from Jesus she will help us to refocus.  Mary saw with her own eyes what Jesus went through to open the gates of heaven for each of us.  She is not about to let that sacrifice fail to win the souls her son died for. 

While thinking about Mary as my mother, it occurred to me that being called a momma’s boy in that context is a great honor.  I only hope to live up to the name.  The best ways I’ve found to truly honor Mother is to keep a picture or representation of her close by.  I try and give Mother a call as often as I can.  The rosary is a great way to get in touch with her.  If you have trouble concentrating or finding the time, buy yourself a CD.  It’s great in the car or on public transportation and will help you to pass the time during the slow times of the day.  Another great place to say the rosary is on a brisk walk, a run outdoors or on a treadmill.  I usually just count the prayers on my fingers during these times rather than trying to use the beads.  You can even find websites online with instructions and audio. Start slow if that helps. One decade at a time. You will find rest for your weary soul and true peace in due time.  You may find that things will work out a little easier and you won’t worry about your life as much as you used to.  The Divine Mercy Chaplet is great, too.  A good friend told me that if you pray the Divine Mercy Chaplet for someone who is not a believer they will be before they pass on.  If you look around you’ll see that Mary is touching people all around the world everyday.  She sheds tears on a regular basis for those who have turned their backs on her son.  Those allowing themselves to be touched by her are truly blessed and changed for the better.  Let’s stop making Mom work so hard.  We can help her to change the hearts of the people we interact with everyday.  All we have to do is pray, pray, pray, just like she says.  I’d love so much to see her smile.  I heard she loves roses too.

So go ahead, call me a momma’s boy. 

Love you Mom,
Dan Dufresne