The Grace of God’s Provision: Lent IV (Mothering Sunday)


This Sunday is Laetare Sunday (derived from the Latin for "rejoice" found in the Introit from Isaiah 66), the Sunday of rejoicing in the midst of Lent. It is also Mothering Sunday, a day when we give thanks for the Church as our mother and for the earthly mothers who have nurtured us. Our readings call us to reflect on God’s provision, His grace, and our identity as His children—not as those in bondage, but as those who are free in Christ.

In today’s Epistle to the Galatians, St. Paul gives us the image of two mothers—Hagar, the bondwoman, and Sarah, the freewoman. He tells us that we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free. This passage is rich in meaning.  First, Hagar represents the covenant of the Law given at Sinai—a covenant of bondage. Next, Sarah represents the new covenant of grace given through Christ—a covenant of freedom. And third, the earthly Jerusalem is bound, but the Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

This is a picture of the Church—our Mother in Christ, the heavenly Jerusalem. She nurtures us not with the law that binds, but with the Gospel that frees. Through the Church, we receive the means of grace—Baptism, the Holy Eucharist, the Word of God—all the nourishment necessary for our journey. So on this Mothering Sunday, we are called to rejoice in the Church’s loving care. Though we wander, she always welcomes us back. Though we struggle, she feeds us with the Bread of Life. And this leads us to our Gospel reading, where Jesus does just that—He feeds the five thousand with miraculous abundance.

In today' Gospel  Jesus is faced with a hungry crowd. The disciples can only see scarcity—Philip says that even two hundred pennyworth of bread would not be enough. Andrew mentions a small boy’s lunch of five loaves and two fish, but he doubts it is sufficient. Yet Jesus takes this small offering, blesses it, multiplies it, and satisfies the crowd abundantly. Not only do they all eat their fill, but there are twelve baskets left over—a symbol of God's overflowing grace. This miracle reminds us of two great truths.  First that God is our provider and He knows our needs before we even ask. Just as He fed the Israelites in the wilderness, just as a mother nourishes her children, so too does He care for us.  Second, that God’s grace is abundant—we often bring little, yet He multiplies it beyond what we can imagine.

How then, should we respond to such Divine graciousness? Like the boy with the loaves and fish, we must offer what little we have—our time, our talents, our prayers—and trust that God will multiply it for His kingdom. And Like the crowds, we must hunger for Christ, the true Bread, recognizing that only in Him do we find lasting fulfillment. And also Like the disciples, we must learn that our limitations do not limit God—even when we see only scarcity, He is able to provide abundantly.
Finally, on this Mothering Sunday, we give thanks for earthly mothers, who reflect God's love in their care, patience, and sacrifice. A good mother gives without counting the cost, loves without condition, and provides even when it is difficult. Yet even the best human mother is but a shadow of the divine love of God. As Isaiah reminds us:

"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yea, they may forget, yet will I not forget thee" (Isaiah 49:15).

Today, let us take comfort in the truth that we are not orphans—we belong to the free city of God, the Church, our true Mother. We are nourished by Christ Himself, the Bread of Life. And as we continue our Lenten journey, let us trust in His provision, rejoice in His grace, and rest in His love.
 
"REJOICE ye with Jerusalem: and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her: that ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breast of her consolations. I was glad when the said unto me: We will go into the house of the Lord."

-- Fr. Chris Fish

All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee
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Services & Events

Sunday Services, 7:45 AM, 9:00 AM, & 11:15 AM (for online participation for the services go to: https://www.facebook.com/saintsofscotland) 

Sunday School, 10:30 AM

Nursery 9:00 & 11:15 Services

Wednesday, Noon – Holy Communion and anointing for healing

Stations of the Cross and Lenten Suppers –  Every Friday at 7:00 p.m. during Lent. If you can provide a soup and bead supper on one of these Friday evenings, please so indicate on the sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the undercroft

Monday, April 7, 11:00 a.m.  Requiem service for Jody Baldwin followed by a reception in the undercroft 

Saturday, April 12, 8:30 AM. Men's Breakfast & Bible study

Vestry Meeting, Monday April 28, 7:30 PM, church undercroft

UPDATED NEEDS FOR MaRIH CRISIS PREGNANCY CENTER

MaRIH Center has made a number of changes in its critically needed items. The Center provides help to mothers-to-be and mothers in need.  Please provide some of the items that are needed..They are very greatly appreciated. (You can leave the donations where the food for the food bank is collected on the pew in the undercorft.)

Especially Needed
 In Bold and with an asterisk are a critical need. Please note changes in diaper needs and other items.

*Diapers (sizes newborn, 1, 2, *3, *4, *5, & *6)
*Lovies
*Baby wipes
Diaper rash ointment
Baby shampoo
*Baby blankets
Baby bottles
*Bibs toddler
*Formula: *Simulac Advance Formula
Formula: other but not recalled
Wash clothes
Hooded Towels
Spring/summer clothing: 3-6 mo, 2T
*Grocery gift cards

Food Bank Needs
The food bank appreciates the generosity of our parish.Please help this month with a food donation if you are able. Those we help feed are very thankful for the food we provide to them each month. Please also buy low sugar cereals (and not the kid's types that have lots of sugar).  Current needs include the following:
canned meats (chicken, corned beef, spam)
peanut butter
jelly
tuna
canned vegetables (corn, green beans - (regular and low sodium)
individual fruit cups (low sugar)
canned fruit (low sugar)
canola or vegetable oil (48 oz)
boxed cereal (low sugar) and instant or old fashioned oatmeal (18 oz or 42 oz)
pasta (regular and gluten-free):
instant potatoes
single serving fruit juice
macaroni & cheese
soups: Chunky or Progresso,noodle soup; chicken broth, cream of mushroom
coffee, cooking oil, flour, sugar
 
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