Today we give thanks for all who have mothered us in our lives. For our Mothers yes but also for those who have shown us love and compassion. Even on the cross Jesus still wanted to care for his own Mother. It was the final way in which he could thank her for all that she had done for him. Despite his own suffering he continued to think of the suffering that she was going through, for what worse suffering is there than for a mother to watch her son die in such an horrific way. In their suffering they became united.

It also speaks volumes to me of the way rolls are reversed. When a child is born and grows up it is the parents who are responsible for the love and care of that child. But when the child becomes an adult there is a change in the relationship where they become good friends and then comes a third stage where the child or children begin to take responsibility for their parents and elderly relatives. I wonder how many of you are organised, in the nicest possible way, by the generation below you.

My son, Jeremy, celebrated his 50th Birthday on Tuesday, which is also the 35th anniversary of his Mother’s death. How does he, how do I mark that? My daughter Helen is staying in Cawston with my daughter Becca during Easter week. I received a text telling me to cross out Easter Wednesday evening in my diary because I was being taken out for a meal with Jeremy, Helen and Rebecca. I was being organised by the generation below me. I may be the family patriarch, but no consultation, Dad will be organised. Why? Because I am loved. What greater gift is there than this.

Our God in the person of Jesus is showing us the way of love, care and compassion.

But let us finish by remembering all those who are not receiving love, care and compassion and indeed sadly in some cases are being badly abused; for where that is happening the cross of Christ will always be found, if we would only open our eyes.

Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

Amen.

Andrew SSL