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Mothering Sunday, or Refreshment Sunday are names given to the fourth Sunday of Lent. In the 16th century the practise of returning to the church one was Christened at, or the main church in the area (mother church) began and in the 17th century this expanded with with servants given the day off to visit their families. It developed over time into a time for family reunions and honouring mothers.

Today it is a day of many meanings. It’s a time to honour our mother church, reflect on our love for our earthly mothers, and for some, to celebrate Mary, the mother of Jesus. Lately, it has also become a moment to appreciate the beauty of Mother Earth.

For many, it’s a day filled with love, gratitude, and warmth. Yet, others may find it a little bittersweet, facing a mix of feelings like regret and loneliness. Whatever it means to you, may this day bring a sense of connection and understanding and know that you are held in prayer.

Repent or Perish

1 At that very time there were some present who told him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. 2 He asked them, ‘Do you think that because these Galileans suffered in this way they were worse sinners than all other Galileans? 3 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish as they did. 4 Or those eighteen who were killed when the tower of Siloam fell on them—do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others living in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all perish just as they did.’

The Parable of the Barren Fig Tree

6 Then he told this parable: ‘A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came looking for fruit on it and found none. 7 So he said to the gardener, “See here! For three years I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and still I find none. Cut it down! Why should it be wasting the soil?” 8 He replied, “Sir, let it alone for one more year, until I dig round it and put manure on it. 9 If it bears fruit next year, well and good; but if not, you can cut it down.” ’

Luke 13.1-9

The Eucharist

Bell tolled
Priest robed
Gospel read
Creed said
All moves in harmony
Harmony of liturgy
But what is that to me?
I cannot look on crucifix or priest,
And the eyes of my friends accuse.
Faltering, I take the Host.
Wormwood and gall I remember
Pulsing life given for me.
I drink wine, red as the blood
That flowed from my Saviour’s side.
Hope renewed
Faith restored
Grace given
Christ received.

Elizabeth Cottrell

The Lament over Jerusalem

31 At that very hour some Pharisees came and said to him, ‘Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you.’ 32 He said to them, ‘Go and tell that fox for me, “Listen, I am casting out demons and performing cures today and tomorrow, and on the third day I finish my work. 33 Yet today, tomorrow, and the next day I must be on my way, because it is impossible for a prophet to be killed away from Jerusalem.” 34 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it! How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35 See, your house is left to you. And I tell you, you will not see me until the time comes when you say, “Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord.” ’

Luke 13.31-35

Safe in God’s Love

Let me hold fast to you, beautiful Lord,
whom the angels themselves yearn to look upon.
Wherever you go, I will follow you.
If you pass through fire, I will not flinch,
I fear no evil when you are with me.
You carry my griefs, because you grieve for my sake.
You passed through the narrow doorway from death to life,
to make it wide enough for all to follow.
Nothing can ever now separate me from your love. Amen.

Bernard of Clairvaux

The ‘F’ Words
The World must have FAITH – as it slips into FEAR
Or even the FACTS, it is suffering FAMINE
It’s experiencing FLOODS, But no-one accepts FIRE
That goes with the FIGHTING. FINANCES that FREEZE us,
and evil prevails from the FIENDS that are FAITHLESS,
Blinded by FOOLISHNESS, greed and a FICKLENESS.
Now look at the ‘F’ words that are FEATURED above,
Do they indicate a FUTURE or FAILURE for all,
With media reporting FALSE FEATURES,
that will FREEZE us and cause us to FALL,
Look again everyone for the ‘F’ words are calling,
and look again everyone at the FORECAST for us, and the:-
FLOODS – BUT DROUGHTS,
FAMINES BUT FOOD WASTE,
–
FIRE – BUT COLD THAT IS WARMING THE EARTH,
FIGHTING-WITHOUT GRIEF,
FEAR – BUT ‘WHAT’?
Please, FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS show us your sense and
FIENDS – now open your eyes, and the rich show some FAIRNESS,
That the FACT we are FAILING ourselves and each other
And the WORLD will be ready to give itself up,
And the FOOLS that created the FATE of Creation,
Will no longer gain – with no more FRUITION
The FAITHFUL will triumph – the weak become strong,
and will FOLLOW FOREVER
OUR GOD AND OUR SAVIOUR – THE CREATORS OF ALL
SO BE IT AMEN…

Paul Smith

Lenten fasting is not about outward appreance but our inner life with God.

And when you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.
Matthew 6:16-18

“Fasting is the soul of prayer, mercy is the lifeblood of fasting. So if you pray, fast; if you fast, show mercy; if you want your petition to be heard, hear the petition of others. If you do not close your ear to others, you open God’s ear to yourself.”
St. Peter Chrysologus