The 23rd Psalm on Mother’s Day May09

The 23rd Psalm on Mother’s Day

What would you dedicate to your mother? Mother’s Day is, of course, just around the corner. It’s a day – along with Father’s Day – that I’m a tad ambivalent about. While not actually invented by Hallmark, as the common lore has it, the day’s founder – Anna Jarvis – soon became quite resentful of how Hallmark and others exploited the day to their gain. Given that history, one wonders why we need a special day to honor our mothers (or fathers) – I mean, why not honor them every day? At the same time, I think I have a great mom (and dad!), and I think my wife, my sisters, and my...

The Mother May11

The Mother

Padraic (or Patrick) Pearse is a controversial figure because of his role in the Easter Rising of 1916 and other activities on behalf of Irish nationalism. He also founded schools, was a poet and author, and devout Roman Catholic. Whatever one thinks of Pearse, it’s hard not to be moved the...

The Mom Song May10

The Mom Song

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for a way to say thanks to your mom for all the times she pushed and cajoled you to do what you knew you were supposed to do, or if you want to send an encouraging word to a mom who is still having to do that and wonders...