Exodus

This Mothering Sunday, we reflect on the profound meaning of a mother's love, drawing inspiration from the courageous actions of Moses' mother and the unwavering devotion of the women at the foot of the cross.

Mothering Sunday evokes a sense of homecoming, a return to the nurturing embrace of our Mother Church and the cherished memories of our own mothers. Yet, for some, this day carries a poignant reminder of loss and grief. The pain of those who have lost a mother or a child casts a somber shadow, transforming this celebration into a day of remembrance and sorrow.

The story of Moses, hidden in a basket by his mother to escape persecution, mirrors the plight of countless children today who are forced to flee their homes in search of safety and love. The image of a child adrift in a basket, much like the boats carrying refugees across perilous waters, serves as a stark reminder of the sacrifices made by mothers to protect their children.

Moses' mother's act of love, Pharaoh's daughter's compassion, and the unwavering support of his sister demonstrate the transformative power of love in the face of adversity. In a world marked by conflict and hatred, these acts of kindness offer glimpses of hope and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

As we celebrate Mothering Sunday, let us extend our love and compassion to all those who have shown us motherly love, be it our mothers, family members, friends, or even strangers who have offered a helping hand. Let us also remember those who are in need of our support and comfort, offering them the same unwavering love that God bestows upon us.

In the words of 1 John 4, "We love because he first loved us." May we always strive to embody this divine love, radiating its warmth and compassion to all those around us.

This week's sermon snippet is based on Fraser's sermon that he preached at the benefice service.

This Sunday, we celebrated Mothering Sunday, a day with roots stretching back to the 16th-century custom of visiting the ‘mother church’ during Lent. It’s a day that evolved into a celebration of family and, of course, mothers. But as Fraser’s sermon explored, this day also invites us to reflect on the many facets of love and care, both human and divine.

We heard the story of Moses, a child with two mothers: Jochebed, his birth mother, who risked everything to save him, and Pharaoh’s daughter, who raised him as her own. It’s a powerful image of the lengths we go to for those we love, and the unexpected ways that love can manifest. This story reminds us that family isn’t always defined by blood, but by the bonds of care and commitment.

Then we turned to the parable of the Prodigal Son, a story of a father’s unconditional love. Despite the son’s folly, the father’s immediate response is joy and celebration. This parable illustrates a love that transcends our mistakes, a love that welcomes us home with open arms. It mirrors the love of God, a love that is giving, accepting, and forgiving.

Finally, we considered the nature of God’s love. While often depicted as a father, God’s love is beyond gender, beyond all categorisation. It’s a love that can feel like a parent’s, a friend’s, or simply a pure, genuine connection that lifts us out of our self-focused world. Let us remember that love comes from God, and in loving one another, we glimpse the divine.