Mothering Sunday Reflection

Mothering Sunday, the fourth Sunday in Lent has long been a time for a momentary celebration, sometimes also known as Refreshment Sunday, Mid-Lent Sunday or Laetare Sunday, a medieval term which referred to the introit at the beginning of the Mass which included the words ‘Rejoice ye with Jerusalem’ which meant that worshippers could temporarily relax their penitential disciples in anticipation of the preparations of the Messiah to enter Jerusalem.

Traditionally on this day worshippers would remember three things: they would perhaps visit their local cathedral as the mother church of their diocese from which their parish was a growing child, they would visit their own mother on this day and take her flowers and gifts, and they would remember the words of the traditional epistle, Galatians 4:26 which talks of the heavenly Jerusalem which is free and is taken figuratively as our mother.

All of these facets give a cause for celebration, for kindness and tenderness in the past and the anticipation of future joy, kindness and pleasure – ‘for a mother’s work is never done.’ Today stands out as the one day in Lent, which embraces the celebratory rejoicing of Easter Day.

An African proverb says  ‘It takes a village to raise a child’ . We see this in the life of Moses-  His mother, the midwives, his sister, and Pharaoh’s daughter- his adopted mother. All have a role to play in his safeguarding and upbringing. On the cross Jesus poignantly asks his good friend John to look after his mother Mary,  and for Mary to look after John once he has gone.

We are shown by Jesus’ example that we are to look after one another - to adopt one another into our family – to treat one another as if we are family. Who will look after this child, this adult, this refugee ?  Who will treat as their own someone who is different to themselves - in colour- in gender identity – in economic status? Jesus asks each of us mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, siblings, carers, teachers, neighbours, friends -  mothering hearts everywhere - to look after one another, especially another who is in need or hurting. 

In Moses’ story we see how love for children can overcome sectarianism and the crude and cruel human boundaries that we can put up between one another – separation of families at borders, young people being made stateless … .

In Moses’ story we see the bravery and sacrifice of his mum as she first seeks to protect his life by hiding him. The midwives who could have lost their lives through keeping her pregnancy and his birth secret and him alive.  His wise mothers painful decision when knowing she can no longer keep him a secret, to place him in the river - but with his sister keeping watch.  I am sure they had seen Pharaoh's daughter bathe before and had detected a kindness and humanity maybe in her interaction with the Hebrew women and children.  So at a time she knows he will be found by her - the one person who can keep him safe – his mother puts him in the water. And sure enough Pharaoh’s daughter although recognising him as a Hebrew baby – who her father has ordered to be killed - she has compassion and indeed saves his life.

In a wonderful God only twist, Moses’ sister I’m sure with heart racing, asks Pharaoh's daughter if she would like her to find a Hebrew wet nurse for the baby.  It brings a tear to your eye doesn’t it as his mum is fetched and gets to keep and nurture him until he is weaned. Moses is safe.  Real pain is of course still to come when she must hand him over/back to Pharaohs daughter to raise. It is clear though the learning and love he receives from his background as a Hebrew and an Egyptian prepares him for the role God has called him to.

In Moses story we see a mother's love, a family and communities care;  compassion standing up against tyranny. And God’s amazing tapestry which needed all these amazing women for God’s purpose to be fulfilled.   May all our lives be beautiful compassionate tapestries of love.

On this Mothering Sunday, let's reflect on the profound love and care of mothers, both earthly and divine, and the importance of nurturing and compassion in our lives and communities, remembering the example of Mary, the mother of Jesus. 

Mothering Sunday is a time to express gratitude and appreciation for the love and care of mothers, both living and those who have passed away.  We can also reflect on the concept of God as a mother, who provides, nurtures, and cares for all creation.  Mary, the mother of Jesus, is a powerful example of faith, courage, and unwavering love, and her "yes" to God's plan is a source of inspiration. 

Mothering Sunday is a day of mixed emotions and means something different to each of us. For some it is a day of celebration and for others it is a day of sadness as we say a prayer of thanksgiving for those mums we have loved and lost. 

Mothering Sunday reminds us of the importance of nurturing, compassion, and care for others, especially those in need, reflecting the values of Jesus.  It's a time to strengthen family bonds and foster a sense of community, recognizing the importance of supportive relationships. We can pray for mothers, both those we know and those who are suffering, asking for God's blessing and guidance.

We can reflect on the burdens of care carried by so few for so many children, and the struggles faced by mothers and carers around the world.  We can give thanks for all that our mothers mean to us, all that our mothers have meant to us, and for the gift of life.