This Sunday in church we celebrate Mothering Sunday – sometimes shortened to Mother’s Day – when we think about mothers and particularly Mary the mother of Jesus. We also remember women all over the world, and perhaps especially at this time those who are caught up in conflict and who, to the best of their ability are caring for their families.
The origins of Mothering Sunday come from the tradition of men and women in service being given a break during the season of Lent to visit their families or for their families to visit them before the celebration of Easter. In some places, it was also the practice to visit the mother church – the Cathedral of the Diocese – in recognition of it overseeing the welfare of all the parishes within the diocese.
Some churches now have the tradition of distributing a posy of flowers to mothers/women who come to church on the fourth Sunday of Lent. We have also just commemorated International Women’s Day, when the rights of women from across the world are recognised. Whatever tradition or practice you choose to follow, some ladies are taken out to lunch and /or given presents as a “Thank you” gift for their care and devotion throughout the year.
As we remember Mary, the mother of Jesus, we think of the hurt she suffered as her son was raised up onto the cross as the rejected Messiah. We also recall the suffering that many women go through in this modern day and age, when we should be more understanding and forgiving; recognising that are all equal in the sight of God.
I wish you God’s love and peace.
Revd Graham
