MOTHERING
On Mothering Sunday we think about Motherhood and the mothering nature of God
and His church’.
This quote I found about mothers by an anonymous author says it all for me:
Motherhood: A bond that forms before birth endures
beyond death and shapes us in life even in its absence.
The same is true also, of our relationship with God.
We often hear about mothers who stand by their children even after they have done something horrendous and
when society has turned against them.
We can find this difficult to understand but the same applies to our relationship with God. We may think
something is unforgivable but God sees the sinner differently.
Mothers and fathers are the ‘first educators’ of their children. Their influence on their children can determine
the adults they become; it is a tremendous responsibility. It is worrying reminder to Christian parents about the
way they pass on their faith.
Sadly, no matter what parents do, other factors can over ride parental guidance. That special bond gives
the growing child the freedom to go their own way with hope that one day the prodigal will return.
God gives us the same freedom. From cradle to grave, He is there and at the end carries us through death.
We may forget about Him but He is always with us, just as a mother’s love remains with her children wherever
they are.
Scripture tells us that the human bond can be broken forever, but between God and His children, the option
for reconciliation is always present.
The bond between Jesus and His mother saw her standing at the foot of His cross. Whatever she had felt about
how He lived His life and His treatment of her, she must have been there in the background following His progress.
Looking down from the cross, Jesus confirmed that bond, ensuring she would be cared for after He had gone.
We call our church, ‘Mother church’ and remember how like a mother the church has guided our first
faltering steps in the faith and encouraged us as we have grown up in God’s family. We remember that like a
loving, concerned parent Mother Church is there for us even when the rest of the world turns against us, her arms
stretched wide offering forgiveness and acceptance. This is a reflection of the outstretched arms of Jesus on the
cross.
God calls us ALL to the role of a mother. By this I mean that He calls us to reflected His love in the way we
care for others and offer unconditional love. This may mean offering acceptance to those the world despises. It
may mean forgiving what others cannot.
It is only by the Grace of God and His gift of the Holy Spirit than can enable us to do this..
AMEN.
Passion tide to Easter 2010
