Homily: August 26, 2025, Tuesday of the Twenty-First Week in Ordinary Time (Nursing Mother)

 “Rather, we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children. With such affection for you, we were determined to share with you not only the Gospel of God, but our very selves as well, so dearly beloved had you become to us.” 

How does a nursing mother care for her child?

If you have ever nursed your own child, you might have experienced strong intimacy with your child, the bond is deep and loving for both mother and child. The nursing period is when the child is not yet independent and still requires providence of milk, affection and protection from the mother.

Here in today’s first reading, St. Paul described his love for the Thessalonian community like the affection and tenderness of a nursing mother for her child. These words were from one of his earliest letters, written to the Thessalonians when they were facing intense persecution. 

Regardless, the community remained steadfast and persevering in faith. Paul’s words of encouragement and endearment reminded them that God loved them.

Like a nursing mother giving herself unconditionally to her growing child, Paul gave himself totally to the growing church, providing everything necessary to strengthen, nurture and form them into what they were called to be.

As the child matures, the gentle affection takes on a firmer tone and the same mother begins to discipline, guides the child’s behavior, shape the child’s attitudes and corrects the child’s understanding.

In the same way, Paul’s letters to other churches in later times were more stern and carried heavier reminders but always rooted in love.

Holy Mother Church continues this same mission today. At times she comforts and soothes us, sometimes she challenges and corrects us. Her laws and precepts may feel demanding at times, but they are effective in leading us to holiness, to our salvation, to ensure we get through the narrow gate that leads to heaven.

Our discipleship is to follow Jesus, our Savior who took on suffering and died for us, who loves us with the tenderness of a mother, but also calls us forward with the firmness of truth.

Fulton Sheen said, “Heaven is a city on a hill, hence we cannot coast into it; we have to climb.”

Amen.