Sunday, May 10, 2026

Dear brothers and sisters

Before ascending into heaven, Jesus speaks to his disciples about unconditional love expressed through actions, obedience lived out in relationship with God, and the promise of His enduring presence in the future. In His teaching, love is not simply a feeling or a declaration, but a transformation of life, a conversion of the heart, the willingness to walk the path of the cross, and a journey directed toward the Kingdom of Heaven. To love Him means loving even our enemies, forgiving those who offend us, feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, welcoming the marginalized, and proclaiming the Good News to strangers. These are not favors we offer voluntarily, but acts of faithful obedience to the Father, who created us and calls us into His plan of love. By living in this way, our faith becomes more than just a practice. It becomes a special communion, with God dwelling in us and we in Him. It is also an invitation to a beautiful intimacy with God the Creator, to a living relationship with God the Father, and to a shared life of grace with Almighty God. Furthermore, Jesus does not leave His disciples with commandments alone, nor does He abandon them. He gives them the promise of “another Advocate,” the Spirit of truth, who will remain with them in their daily lives, guide them on their journey of faith, and strengthen them in their mission. Although Jesus will no longer be present in the same visible way, He continues His work through the Holy Spirit and reveals Himself quietly yet powerfully in their hearts, in their prayers, and in their religious practices. He is always “the Way, the Truth, and the Life,” who remains with them, sustains them, and leads them to eternal rest.

Motherhood can take many forms, carry different expectations, and be expressed in various ways. It is often shaped by circumstances, cultures, and human traditions. However, I hope that all mothers keep these three perspectives in mind and live them out each day. First, motherhood must be grounded in unconditional love expressed through actions. It is this love that transforms motherhood from a duty into a life-giving mission, in which mothers give themselves completely and sacrifice deeply for the growth of their children. Emotions may change, circumstances may vary, and challenges may arise, but love remains and enables mothers to forgive, to always look after the well-being of their children, and to preserve the relationship even in times of hardship, misunderstanding, and adversity. Second, motherhood is lived with a spirit of faithful responsibility in relationship with God, with one’s parents, and with all those who have nurtured and supported them. In this way, mothers become a living bridge that transforms what was received from the past into the present and passes it on to the next generation. Finally, although mothers cannot remain physically with their children forever, their presence endures spiritually. Their precious legacy, their beautiful motherhood, and their very existence will live on eternally through the love they have given, the values they have instilled, the example they have set, and the personal identity they have provided to their children. Happy Mother’s Day!

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of La Vang!

Reverend Kiet Anh Ta.