Last Sunday was Mothers’ Day.
The modern version was officially started in the USA in 1914, but during the Middle Ages the custom developed of allowing those who had moved away to visit their home parishes and their mothers on Laetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent.
This is known as Mothering Sunday and is still celebrated in some Churches.
But as we celebrate our mothers, we can do no better than look at the Bible, where some 53 mothers are mentioned, from Eve, the first mother, to Mary, the Mother of Jesus.
Some were good. Others like Jezebel and Herodias, not good. But if we look at the qualities of the good mothers, we see trust in God, perseverance, dedication, being undervalued, patience, encouragement, kindness, courage, teaching, integrity – to list a few.
We see so many of these qualities in our own mothers, and we give thanks for them and for all that they have done for us.
However, we must not forget that there are many who exhibit these qualities who are not strictly mothers.
There are grandparents, guardians, carers, leaders, and fathers. We can do no better than refer to Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” and Isaiah 66.13 “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” and Deuteronomy 5.16 – “Honor your father and mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”, noting the promise that goes with it.
By Fr Ken Spreadborough
