Sermon – Behold your mother

In Memory of My Mother, 1969 - Minas Avetisyan (Armenia)
Image of the artists parents at the foot of the cross

A sermon preached at the Sung Eucharist at St George’s Bloomsbury on Sunday 27th March 2022 and St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 30th March 2022 (Year C, Mothering Sunday) based on readings from Exodus 2.10-10 and John 19.25b-27.

Sermon in a nutshell

Today the church marks Mothering Sunday. The gospel reading takes us to the foot of the cross where Jesus brings together his mother Mary and his Beloved Disciple, introducing them to each other as mother and son; affirming our understanding of ‘Mothering’ as transcending the bounds of biology. Jesus draws the whole human family to himself. His words remind us that mothering is not a one way relationship - or even a two way one; our relationships are sanctified and made complete through our relationship with Him. Standing in the shadow of the cross we see that mothering also involves the pain of letting go but the eternal presence of Christ our Mother brings reconciliation and peace. Today we give thanks for all who mother us.

Prayers of Intercession - Mothering Sunday

Natalya Rusetska (Ukrainian) The Annunciation

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St George’s Bloomsbury on Sunday 27th March 2022 (Year C, Mothering Sunday) based on words from John 19.25b-27 and St Anselm’s Prayer to St Paul.

Prayers of Intercession - Repent and Grow

The Fig Tree, Paul Klee, 1929

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 24th March 2022 (Year C, Lent 3) based on words from Luke 13.1-9.

Almighty God,
may the congregations of the church grow in your image.
Nurture in us a life that is truly faithful through the food of the sacrament, the nourishment of prayer and the richness of the scriptures.
We ask for your blessing upon our Bishop, Sarah, our Archdeacons Luke and Adam, our Area Dean Katherine and all the clergy and people of the Square Mile. 
We pray especially for all struggling with their faith.
May we encourage each other, working to bear the fruits of your love in your service. 
Give us the strength to repent; turning away from the shadow of sin and towards the light of Christ. 

Lord in your mercy,
Hear our prayer.

Start:Stop - You're on Mute!

“You’re on mute!” Can our recent experience communicating online help us fulfil our calling to become what St Oscar Romero described as “true microphones of God”? Listen to this week's Start:Stop reflection at this link.

Prayers of Intercession for the Season of Lent

Icon by Ukranian artist Ivanka Demchuk, "Quo Vadis"

As we continue our journey through Lent, let us give thanks for the continual blessing of God’s mercy and grace, which sustains us now and always. 

Prayers of Intercession - Transform Us

Transfiguration bleue outremer by Macha Chmakoff. 

Prayers of Intercession written for the Sung Eucharist at St Stephen Walbrook on Thursday 3rd March 2022 (Quinquagesima, Year C) based on the text of Luke 9.28-43a.

God of grace,
who lifts us up to see the truth of our past and glimpse the glory of our future,
transform this, your Church.
Help us to listen to your living Word 
and follow His ways,
growing in faith by the light of others and, enflamed by your Spirit, reflecting your brightness in all we think, say and do.