One day, five clergymen were discussing the merits of the various translations of the Bible.
The first priest said he endorsed the Orthodox Study Bible because it retained the truest meaning since it was painstakingly translated from the original Greek source.
The second priest said that he enjoyed the King James Version best because of its beautiful, almost elegant prose.
The third priest said he reads the Revised Standard Version best because of its simple, more modern language.
The fourth priest valued the Jerusalem Bible due of its extensive annotations and explanations.
All the while the fifth priest remained silent and just nodded as each made their points. When the others pressed him for his opinion, he replied, “I like my mother’s translation best.”
“Your mother translated the Bible?” they all exclaimed.
“She certainly did,” replied the priest. “My mother translated the Bible into her everyday life, and it was the most convincing translation I ever saw.”
On this day, Mother’s Day, we not only honor the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, and pious women of our parish, but those who throughout the ages have exemplified the Christian Faith. For unlike the disciples who betrayed, denied, and abandoned their Master, women have often been the most steadfast and committed members of Christ’s Holy Church; thus we show our love and appreciation to all women who have loved, nurtured, and passed down the full measure of Christ’s gospel teachings through the living of their faith.
