MOTHERING GOD
All through the month of April, we celebrated the presence of the Risen Christ among us. Jesus comes thru closed doors, appears to his disciples, and offers them words of comfort in their moments of pain, guilt and ‘locked attitudes’ of their own. Few things that really stood out for me as I read the scriptures in preparation for my sermons during this season of Easter. First, nothing will prevent- fear, guilt, disappointment, anger or doubt – Jesus from coming to meet his disciples. This is the most comforting thought that is relevant today for us as disciples of Jesus, who still deal with all these emotions. We are also disappointed when things don’t pan out the way we had planned; we also fear for the countless number of reasons and finally, we also doubt His presence, promise, and power. Despite all of these, Jesus comes and declares peace then and even now.
The other aspect that I found interesting with the Risen Christ is his deep desire to extend God’s kingdom. From the empty tomb to the Mount of Olives where he ascends to be with His Father, Jesus’ one message is to “go and tell”. He tells the women in the synoptic gospels and then to Mary in John’s gospel to “go tell my brothers and Peter” that he will be waiting for them in Galilee. The most emphatic of the commissioning comes in the gospel of John – “As the Father has sent me, so I send you.” As believers and followers of this Risen Christ our task is to “go and tell.” Our excuse about “not being good enough” or “strong enough” to do this task will be met with the words of Jesus “wait until you are clothed with power from on high.” God’s kingdom will march on sometimes with our sincere obedience and other times despite our reluctance.
Two special Sundays falls during the month of May – Mother’s Day and Pentecost. On Pentecost Sunday, we will be reminded of a God who cannot be tethered but is on the loose. God will break boundaries and will charter a new course for the church. The early disciples were sent to places that they did not want to go, meet people that they were reluctant to meet and that is the central message of the season of Pentecost. Pentecost is not an event, but an experience and it is given to all who wait on Him. May we with eager anticipation await the pouring of God’s spirit as we gather on Pentecost Sunday.
On Mother’s Day, we will not only honor mothers in our midst but all women with a heart and a desire to care for all people whom God will bring their way. Most importantly, on Mother’s Day, scriptures will point to a God who personifies the mothering spirit. I was pleasantly surprised as to the countless number of references in the Old Testament and the New about a God who is portrayed as a loving mother. In Deuteronomy 32:11-12 God is described as a mother eagle: “Like the eagle that stirs up its nest, and hovers over its young, God spreads wings to catch you, and carries you on pinions.” In Hosea 13:8 God described as a mother bear: “Like a bear robbed of her cubs, I will attack them and tear them asunder…”. In Isaiah 49:15 God is compared to a nursing mother: “Can a woman forget her nursing child, or show no compassion for the child of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” [1] It is my prayer that you will experience the beauty of this Mothering God as you journey through the month of May.
