The maternal roots of compassion

In his book Meeting Jesus Again for the First Time, Marcus Borg tells us that the word compassion has its root in the "noun that in its singular form means 'womb.'

So Mothers Day is a perfect opportunity to celebrate, not just the women who gave birth to us and nurtured us, but all those who bring compassion into being in the world: all those who care for, sacrifice for, and nurture others; all those whose thoughtful and generous spirits have inspired those around them to practice and grow in compassion.

In fact, isn't each of us called to a renewed understanding of our own intimate connection with all of creation?  And if each of us were to practice that particular life-giving, feeling-with kind of love that the womb implies, wouldn't the world be a healthier place?

We're all called to be mothers, here. So yes: take a moment today to love and honor all the men and women who have mothered you in your lifetime.  But then follow their example: explore your own capacity for mothering -- and help bring more compassion into the world.