THE increasing recognition of women's place and potential in society is being accepted and valued. In the Gospel story of God's choice of the Blessed Virgin Mary for His coming into the world, and in the mission of Jesus, the part played by women is made clear. In the drama of events at Holy Week and Easter they are closely involved, and caring for the Master.
Their place is recognised this month in special ways. On March 5th emphasis was laid on the place of women in society, in the home, and in church life. That day, The Women's World Day of Prayer, was observed in 180 countries. It was started by one woman, Mary Ellen James, in Brooklyn, New York, in 1887.
March 14th, the fourth Sunday in Lent, is observed as Mothering Sunday. In our prayers we give thanks for good mothers and appreciation of their faithfulness over the years.
On March the 25th we have the Feast of the Annunciation. It commemorates the angel Gabriel's announcement to the Blessed Virgin Mary that she was to be the mother of Jesus. Her response to his message - "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" - revealed her dedication to her God-given purpose. She would, no doubt, have faced comments about Jesus's birth, his friendship with sinners, and his teaching about current affairs. The word "scandal" would be heard by her as she watched by the Cross, where her son was being loudly treated as a criminal.
On Mothering Sunday we give thanks for mothers who have seen dreams come true in their children's lives. We pray for those whose hopes have not been fulfilled, where misfortune or estrangement has been their sad lot. We pray for all who bear deep sorrows in their hearts, and have to deal with the hell of disappointments.
The Blessed Virgin Mary did not avoid the anxieties common to parenthood. A strong, non-aggressive person of reverent demeanour, she knew peace in fulfilling God's purpose and, believe it or not, had peace with her all the way to the Cross. In our prayers we do well to dwell upon the peace she knew, the peace that passeth all understanding.
The Bible Reading Fellowship includes a helpful prayer for Mothering Sunday:
"Lord Jesus, Son of Mary, we give thanks for Mary's tenderness and pain, for my own mother, and for all mothers who bear in their hearts the joys and sorrows of their children. Let your special grace and vocation be given to those who have no children that they may carry Christ in their lives and find fulfilment and joy in Him."