Tomorrow is the fourth Sunday of Lent and in England is also Mothering Sunday.  Although it is often called Mother’s Day, it has no connection with the American festival of the same name but they both celebrate mothers.

Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given the day off to visit their mother and family. Centuries ago, it was considered important for people to return to their home or ‘mother’ church once a year. So each year in the middle of Lent, everyone would visit their ‘mother’ church or cathedral of the area.

Inevitably the return to the ‘mother’ church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home. As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers and violets to take to church to give to their mother as a small gift. Nowadays, Mothering Sunday is a day when children give presents, flowers and home-made cards to their mothers much like our Mother’s Day here in America.

The Lord handed down the Ten Commandments.  The fifth commandment is to “Honor your father and your mother; that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you”.

Even if originally, “Mothering Sunday” referred to the ‘mother’ church itself, is has obviously morphed into honoring Mothers. Just as it was in the days of old, today it is of equal importance to honor our mothers (and fathers too).  We should take every opportunity to thank them for the many blessings and love they bestowed upon us.  We can liken this in small part to all we receive from our Father in Heaven every day of our lives and be grateful for His unconditional love. Thanks be to God.

Patty