Sunday is Mothering Sunday, or Mothers’ Day as it is usually called outside the church. Each of us will have our own responses to, and feelings about this day. It may be an opportunity to celebrate, or a day of sadness and regret.

This past week saw the Feast of the Annunciation, when we recalled the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary, with the news that she was to give birth to Jesus. Mary has often been seen as the ideal mother, even though the Gospels suggest that the relationship between mother and son was not always straightforward.

The lives of mothers, and of women generally are today very different to the way they have been through much of church history. We recognise that many mothers juggle employment and other responsibilities alongside looking after their children, and that fathers (and grandparents) often take their share of the work. We are indebted to those in playgroups, nurseries and schools who provide care for our children.

One of my favourite pictures of Mary is in a medieval manuscript of about 1325 AD. Mary has handed over her son to a convenient angel, so she can wrestle with the devil! So, this weekend I will be giving thanks for mothers, and for all those women who in different ways stand up bravely for the truth.

Rev Fran