Seeker

  Mothering Sunday is on the 4th Sunday of Lent, which this year is today. It was was once a day to return to the 'mother church' of your area or to honour Mary, mother of Jesus. On this day Lent fasting rules were relaxed. It was therefore sometimes known as 'refreshment' Sunday. At one time children employed as domestic servants or apprentices were given the day off to visit their mothers and perhaps take a cake or posy of flowers. Some people call today 'Mother's Day'. I'm not keen on that as the name 'Mothering Sunday' is a more inclusive way of looking at it. Not everyone is or can be a mother but we can all try to do what the best mother's do in the sense of providing a safe space for others to grow and flourish. And we all need to receive welcome, nurture and refreshment from others. I think that is part of what the church should be about - reflecting the perfect 'mothering' of God for all her children. (In saying that I am not...

I love this sculpture of a mother embracing a child because it is beautiful. It conveys the protectiveness of the mother cradling her child in a safe but not restricting space. It speaks of mutual love and trust. I also like it because of its ambiguity. From this image it is impossible to know how either mother or child are feeling - joyful or sad - confident or fearful? Feeling comforted or in need of comfort? Peaceful or suffering? That is why I choose to post it today. I n Britain it is Mothering Sunday , which always falls on the 4th Sunday of Lent ('Refreshment Sunday'). It can be a day of joy or of reawakened grief. The word 'mothering' can trigger so many different emotions, positive and negative.  Here's a Bible quote for Mothering Sunday: "As a mother comforts a child so will I comfort you, says the Lord." Isaiah 66: 13 And here's a Hymn for Mothering Sunday Mothering God, you gave me birth in the bright morning of this wor...

Today in the UK is 'Mothering Sunday'. For me it is the first one since my mother died in 2013, so it feels bitter-sweet. The day comes on the 4th Sunday of Lent and was once a day to return to the 'mother church' of your area or to honour Mary, mother of Jesus. Lent fasting rules were relaxed and it was also sometimes known as 'refreshment' Sunday. At one time children employed as domestic servants or apprentices were given the day off to visit their mothers and perhaps take a cake or posy of flowers. You can find other posts about Mothering Sunday in  'Refreshment' , 'Mothering Sunday' and 'Mothering Sunday 2013' . I resist calling today 'Mother's Day', much preferring 'Mothering Sunday' as a more inclusive way of looking at it. Not everyone is or can be a mother but we can all do what mother's do in the sense of providing a safe space for others to grow and flourish. And we all need to receive we...