Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”
Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service.
Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.
As I share these words, the words unconditional love, both given and received, comes to mind. Quoted hereunder are the words from Proverbs 31:25-31
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” ...
My prayer for Mother’s Day is dedicated to all who mother, in all of creation:
Good and Gentle God, we pray in gratitude for our mothers and for all the women (and men) of theory who have joined with you in the wonder of bringing forth and caring for new life.
You who became human through a woman, grant to all mothers (and fathers) whether biological or adoptive, the courage they need to face the uncertain future that life with children always brings.
Give them the strength to love and to be loved in return, not perfectly, but humanly.
Give them the faithful support of partner, family and friends as they care for the physical and spiritual growth of their children.
Give them joy and delight in their children to sustain them through the trials of motherhood.
Most of all, give them the wisdom to turn to you for help when they need it most. Amen.
- Author Unknown
A blessed Mothers’ Day to all who have mothered, who mother, and who will mother.
Pastor Beryl, DLM