Shipley Church Self-Service

Mothering Sunday 14th March 2021

Thought for the Week – Jesus commends his mother Mary to John’s care

Observance of Mothering Sunday began in the 16th century, when it was a tradition for people to return to their “mother church” on the 4th Sunday in Lent. Gradually, it altered into a celebration of motherhood and the maternal nature of God’s love. For every parent, love involves a willingness to allow their child to grow and follow its own path through life. Just as the process of caring for people as a mother reaches its agonising crisis for Mary, as she stands by the crucifixion of her son, the sufferings of Christ also are at their greatest. Yet, at that very moment, Jesus demonstrates that no amount of suffering can extinguish the capacity for love, as from the cross he entrusts his Mother into the care of his closest disciple, John. (John 19: 25-27)

Hymn for today

Lord Jesus Christ, you have come to us,

You are one with us, Mary’s Son.

Cleansing our souls from all our sins,

Pouring your love and goodness in,

Jesus, our love for you we sing,

Living Lord.

Prayer for today

We thank God, in our prayers, for all those who work in ways, great and small, to help others. As with a mother’s unconditional love, they do this instinctively, without any expectation of thanks or recognition. 

Note: The Gospel and Readings set for today can be downloaded from the top right of this page.