Mothers’ Union Devotion Wednesday 23rd June 2021

Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Romans 12. 15-18

I thought this passage set for today’s morning prayer really captures the essence of our call as members of the Mothers’ Union. Rejoicing with those who rejoice, weeping with those who weep. Throughout this past eighteen months we have been able to support our friends and family with phone calls and video calls. And now we can slowly come back together with gatherings in the park or coffee shops and hopefully soon, many of our branches will have been able to meet in person. When we do meet together as branches, we should take the time to share the pain of loss that each of us has suffered since we have last met. Be it loss of a loved one, our own failing health or other painful circumstances. Taking the time to listen, trying to understand what is has been like for those who live alone and have missed the comfort of physical contact. The pain of not being able to see loved ones. And if that means we weep in public, then weep we should.

Then we can take the time to rejoice with one another, because good things have also happened while we have been unable to meet. New family members have been born. Qualifications have been obtained. Health has been restored. Friendships have been strengthened. Old rivalries set aside because we have all been in the same boat. So, our first meetings should also include a time to share, a time of rejoicing in the joys we have discovered in the past year or so.

Sharing our weeping and our rejoicing together should enable us to follow the rest of Paul’s instructions in this passage. It will enable us to live and work together in harmony. It is such harmony that is needed in order for us to go out into our communities effectively and share all that we have learnt. To weep with those families who have suffered, often alone, in the trauma of the pandemic. Then we are called to help these families rejoice in the signs of new life and resurrection, that our post vaccine world will bring. And when they ask why we are doing this, we tell them that we are following the commandment to love given to us by our Redeemer and Saviour, Jesus Christ our Lord.

With all my love and prayers.

Revd Sandra