MINISTRY MUSINGS – March 2026
Today is Wednesday 11th February and the sun has been shining most of the day. With the solstice last week we are entering Spring time. Apparently rain is forecast again tomorrow so we enjoy the sun as and when. Today though has been the perfect day to plant daffodil bulbs. I joined others this morning in St Leonard’s Yardley Gobion to plant tete a tete (mini) daffodil bulbs that hopefully should be in flower during the time of Mothering Sunday 15th March. They will be in the porch at St Leonard’s Church for anyone to take as a thank you and remembrance for those who ‘Mother’ us, or have ‘Mothered’ us in the past.
It isn’t just a feminine activity. Mothering is selfless, kindly, loving and is often very tiring. We are all called, both men and women, to ‘mother’. As Jesus taught, ‘to Love your neighbour as yourself’, which I take to mean any care we give to ourselves we are to share with an abundance of caring love to as many as we are able, because we are all the children of God.
Julian of Norwich, a Mystic who lived between 1342-c1429, referred to both God and Jesus as Mother in her writings. I paraphrase her words here, she wrote “The truth is our Father, for He made and sustains us; the deep Wisdom is our Mother, in whom we are enfolded; the great Goodness is our Lord Jesus, in Him we are enfolded and He in us. As truly as God is our Father, (creator) so truly also God is our Mother (pure self-giving love)”. Mystics like Julian of Norwich used metaphorical language to try to explain a way of understanding what we call God, because God is difficult to explain or name. I think Jesus taught that God is Love and he lived that love and asks us to follow him by living in the same way.
There are many ways to share Love with people. For example, I was asked to leave some leaflets around giving details about the Samaritans.
This from the Samaritans website. https://www.samaritans.org
‘Every 10 seconds, we answer a call for help. Thousands of volunteers from all walks of life are here every day and night. Listening without judgment. Whoever you are. Whatever your background, beliefs, faith or identity.
Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org or write to Freepost SAMARITANS LETTERS’.
I had no idea of the scale of people reaching out to the Samaritans, but I am assured by some who pick up the phones and answer the emails and letters that now, more than ever before, more and more people are in a state of anxiety, depression, other mental or physical problems, including debt and homelessness.
How do Samaritans help? They listen, encourage their callers to talk, don’t give advise; Just listen. Just having someone really listen can help in so many ways.
Is that listening ‘Mothering’? How do we listen to one another? I know I am all too quick to say my piece instead of really listening to others. I think the Samaritans’ listening is self-giving love. Jesus said “go and do likewise” – or words to that effect …
Enjoy the sunshine as and when.
God bless.
Mary
Lay Minister (CofE Reader) South Cleley Benefice of Churches in Potterspury Yardley Gobion Furtho Cosgrove and Wicken