Spirit Matters: Archetypal mother never stops nurturing and protecting

Deep inside of us, no matter how old we are, we long for our mother.

Although we are well into midlife or beyond, when life gets unbearable, we just want “Mom” to come in and make everything OK again.

We want to hear her voice. We want to lean on her. We want her to hold us.

That’s what mothers were made to do: nourish, nurture, protect, soothe, comfort, guide, teach.

Even with the best of intentions, earthly mothers aren’t perfect. Although they want to provide for their children in every way, somewhere along the line, they will make a mistake, even if it is unintentional.

Still, this archetype of the mother is ancient, her purpose well defined.

Most of us have heard the term “mama bear” to illustrate the wrath those who threaten her offspring will suffer.

The archetypal mother is, I think, why I and so many people throughout history have been drawn to Mary, the mother of Jesus.

As the mother of he whom we follow, we intuitively know there is “something about Mary.” It is in her womb that Jesus developed and grew, nourished by her body and blood. After he was born, she provided for his practical needs, but she also nurtured him spiritually. She demonstrated right from wrong. As he grew into his mission, he likely sought out her wisdom and advice.

Even though she has long been gone from this Earth, her mystique continues and shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

Throughout the centuries, there have been reports of Marian apparitions around the world. Some of the most famous sites are Fatima, Lourdes and Guadalupe.

These apparitions often occur during great turmoil on the planet. It is as though the mother is coming to remind us she is near and aware of what is going on, and not to fear. She comes to offer peace, but she also calls us to change our ways.

She calls us to look at our lives and the world around us, and to eliminate those actions and behaviors that are contrary to the gospel. Because she knows that any action, behavior or policy contrary to the tenets of the gospel will bring nothing but death and destruction.

Every year, millions of pilgrims travel to her apparition sites to pray and to offer thanksgiving for the ways she has been present in their lives.

On Feb. 11, which also is the World Day of the Sick, the church celebrates Our Lady of Lourdes.

Mary appeared to a young French girl, Bernadette Soubirous, in 1858 and revealed a spring of water, which is believed to have healing powers.

Every year, millions of people go to Lourdes seeking healing for their physical and spiritual afflictions. Out of the countless healings at the shrine over time, the church has only approved 70 of them and declared them “miraculous.” These situations undergo strict review to rule out any explainable reason for the healing.

In these times of great upheaval, the world is crying out for the comfort of her mother. While some male-dominated institutions are bent on destruction, greed and power, the archetypal mother, evermore powerfully strong and fierce in her love and protection, offers the antidote to obliteration.

We don’t have to travel to the sites of these apparitions to find comfort in her. We simply have to believe in her nurturing presence and seek her out.

She always, always answers.

So today and tomorrow, call out for our mother, whether your earthly mother be absent or long gone.

Cling to her.

When all seems lost, she who generates life is ready to fight for her offspring, to neutralize the forces of destruction, and to restore peace to our world.

She will not rest until she does.

SPIRIT MATTERSis a weekly column by Jerrilyn Zavada Novak that examines experiences common to the human spirit. Contact her at jzblue33@yahoo.com.