St James' Church

Mothers’ Day is probably one of the most commercialised events, where restaurants and related business profit from each year. It was however, not invented by the Florists’ Association; nor by a group of restaurants. It has its roots in the church’s tradition of Mothering Sunday, where it initially began from the thought of the Church as a ‘Mother Church’ and from there, moving on to celebrate the place and role of mothers in families.

The form as we know today, popularised in United States was actually inspired by a mother protesting the killing of World War I. Mothers have always felt the pain more than others as they lost their sons on the battefield. She got other mothers to protest, too, and pretty soon Congress got in the act. Finally, President Woodrow Wilson pronounced the second Sunday in May as Mothers’ Day, a day dedicated not to honoring mothers, but to honoring their wishes—that the killing be stopped.

Perhaps highlighting this is important. Even as the world continue to face all sorts of structural and political evil (often than not, led by men) the wisdom of mothers need to be listened to. In Asia alone, we can see the pain inflicted by ‘juntas,’ dictators and racist sociopaths. If the wisdom and advice of mothers are heeded, what difference will it make? Many a foolish man, have wrecked their own lives and that of their loved ones through their own selfishness and stupidity. What if the mother has spoken up firmly and earlier? What about the politics of societies? If their voices are allowed to be listened to, even in whispers, in the corridors of powers, how will the destiny of nations be affected?

This is an interesting point to note even as we celebrate this day ‘domestically.’ The love and wisdom found in family ties has a deep influence over society. Mothers do play an important role in restraining the madness which goes on all around us.

My own mother, though late in becoming a Christian has had some direct impact when in those rare occasions, she makes gentle comments on my ministry as a pastor and in the home, encouraging me to love Him. I have realised that she had a very special role in my life, especially whe she played her role and took her mothering responsibility more firmly.
As we honor our mothers today, we also urge them to listen to their own wishes. There is a God-given wisdom which they need to share, especially with their own families to begin with. Yes, share it, take up your role. Don’t see yourself as insignificant and ‘inconsequential.’

You, mothers, can change the world.