‘Coming Home’

One particular quirk about the United Kingdom, Ireland and some Commonwealth countries is that we celebrate Mother’s Day on Laetare Sunday. This came about as an evolution of the Medieval celebration of ‘Mothering Sunday’, where the faithful would return to their parish of baptism or ‘mother church’ to give thanks and rejoice (laetare) for God’s work in their lives. It is particularly poignant that a large group of children will be baptised here at St Joseph’s this weekend.

It is important that we keep the concept of ‘returning home’ in our minds on our journeys through life. When we think of home we can think of where we grew up and, on this Sunday, the nurturing of our mothers and those who acted as spiritual mothers to us. We can think of the towns in which we grew up or where we had important experiences in life. Our true home is, of course, with God Himself and we are all on that journey towards Him so that we can be with Him.

The Church is also our true home whilst on this earth. The Body of Christ is where we truly dwell wherever we may be. Perhaps this on this Mothering Sunday, we can give thanks to God and rejoice in Him for our place in this home which prepares, sustains and equips us for our eternal home. Let us thank God for the gift of Our Blessed Mother who we receive through St John at the foot of the Cross. Let us also give thanks to God for all mothers and for those who have been spiritual mothers in His Church as their witness and love across the years is incalculable.

Be assured of our prayers

God bless, Father Gary