This Sunday is observed in the United Kingdom as Mothering Sunday. The mothers get little bunches of daffodils in church, and sometimes there are special readings. Unfortunately, St. John’s uses the regular readings for today and they are not particularly maternal.
In addition, Jade Goody, the reality show contestant from a few years ago who later was diagnosed with advanced cervical cancer, died this morning. If I were quicker-witted, I could preach on her strange life and her peaceful death on Mothering Sunday, leaving two children. She’s a local girl, from Bermondsey just down the road.
Laetare Sunday is the traditional Catholic name for the Fourth Sunday of Lent. The Introit begins with the Latin word which means “to rejoice”, and the clergy wear light-purple vestments (referred to as “rose” coloured) rather than purple ones. This to signify that the end of Lent, with its crucifixion story, is drawing closer and we should be living in hope of the resurrection.
I am committed to preaching on the readings, not solely on the newspapers or on the Sunday, so here is my offering for today—nothing about mothers or Jade Goody. This is my 50th sermon since I moved to the United Kingdom 15 years ago.
And to all you mothers out there, happy Mothering Sunday. Those of you in the United States will get this twice, as American Mothers Day is in May.
March 22, 2009 Fourth Sunday of Lent; Mothering Sunday
Sermon delivered at St. John the Evangelist, 10 am.
Readings: II Chron 36:14-16, 19-23; Ps 136; Eph 2:4-10; John 3:14-21
In the name of God, the one, the Undivided Trinity. AMEN.
There is a Radio 4
At ballgames, too, it seems there’s always someone holding up a placard that reads, “John 3:16.”
Is there? My education has so many gaps…