Thought of The Week – Mother’s Day

Many a mum will be lavished with flowers, gifts and even breakfast in bed this Sunday as It will be Mum’s special day. Meals out, cards and greetings from children far and near who will want to remind their mothers of how much they are loved will be the order of the day.   All these expressions and love and gratitude make this day special which is also for many a day of quiet remembrance of mothers who are no longer with us.

The tradition of Mothering Sunday goes back many centuries when in Lent all were encouraged to return to their mother church to give thanks to God for their upbringing and nurturing in the Christian faith. A special day not only to give thanks for all that our mums mean to us but also to thank God whose love and compassion is greater even than our mother’s love.

Jesus, of course, knew the security of a loving home. From his birth he was cared for within a family where there would have been all the trials and blessings of domestic life.   Mothering Sunday also remind us that the church is a family of which we are all, regardless of age or background a part. Jesus’ ministry was one of love and compassion, reaching out to the stranger and the outcast, calling his disciples by name and being moved to heal and restore. The Apostle Paul says that the most eloquent preaching is meaningless if we do not love and serve one another as Jesus did. A neighbour who needs to know we are there, a ‘phone call to someone recently bereaved and similar acts of kindness can make a difference. In church the person next to you, a stranger who comes through the chapel or church door who may be going through a difficult time. A question ‘How are you today?’ can often make that difference. May we always, as Paul, says seek the most ‘excellent’ way – the way of love – the best way of all the ways our mothers taught us. To all Mums everywhere – have a lovely day – you deserve it!