Sermon: A Sermon for Mothering Sunday | Choral Evensong

Preacher:

Bob Cooper

Date:

Sunday 30th March 2025

Venue:

Guildford Cathedral

Service:

6pm Choral Evensong

A few hundred meters from St Peter’s basilica, standing on the banks of the Tiber, is the Villa Farnesina. Cool in the summer heat of Rome, and with an excellent gelato and espresso provision in is a place of sanctuary from the Roman sun.  On the ground floor are two incredible frescoes by Raphael. One is the story of Cupid and Psyche which in and of itself is beautiful, but the other is The Triumph of Galatea. It is the tragic and yet equally hopeful story of Galatea the sea-nymph who had fallen in love with a peasant shepherd Acis. However the big bad Cyclops Polyphemus who was Galatea’s courtier was insanely jealous of this and wanted Acis out of the way. But Galatea loved Acis with a passion – Ovid wrote these words for her

While I pursued him with a constant love,
the Cyclops followed me as constantly.
And, should you ask me, I could not declare
whether my hatred of him, or my love
of Acis was the stronger. —They were equal.

One day One day, Polyphemus found them together and in a rage killed Acis by hurling a huge rock upon him to claim Galatea for himself – probably not the best way to court her, but it may work for some I suppose and in response, Galatea used the blook flowing from Acis’ side to form the river Acis and as she formed it, she sang a song of love. It is a story of darkness and yet redemption, a story of tragedy leading to an apotheosis, a story where good wins out over evil.

Laetare Sunday, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent, is a moment of joy and refreshment within the otherwise penitential season. The name Laetare comes from the Latin word for "rejoice," drawn from the Introit of the Mass: “Laetare, Jerusalem” (Rejoice, O Jerusalem – Isaiah 66:10). This Sunday provides a foretaste of the joy of Easter, reminding the faithful that the suffering and discipline of Lent ultimately lead to resurrection and renewal.

Theologically, Laetare Sunday underscores the balance between sorrow for sin and the hope found in Christ. While Lent calls for repentance, Laetare Sunday points toward the fulfillment of God's promises. The use of rose-coloured vestments symbolizes this transition from deep penitence to anticipated joy. I only wish we had a set of rose vestments here at the cathedral to use this morning – if anyone has a set anywhere then please let me know!

Scripturally, it reflects the themes of divine consolation and the unwavering faithfulness of God. Readings often highlight His providence and the assurance that suffering leads to glory. This Sunday also coincides with “Mothering Sunday,” recognizing the Church as the nurturing mother of believers.

Ultimately, Laetare Sunday reminds Christians that joy is integral to faith. Even amid trials, the promise of redemption invites believers to rejoice in God’s enduring mercy and love.

Both of our passages tonight paint a portrait of God’s faithfulness and strength, reminding us why we have reason to rejoice, even in trials. Isaiah speaks of God’s sovereign power and His assurance to His people: "Fear not, for I am with you."

Paul, in his letter to Timothy, speaks from a place of hardship yet rejoices in the Lord’s faithfulness, declaring, "The Lord stood by me and gave me strength."

Isaiah 41 is a proclamation of God's sovereignty and unwavering faithfulness. God speaks to His people, reassuring them of His presence and protection.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).

This promise is the foundation of our rejoicing. The Israelites, living in exile and facing uncertainty, needed to hear these words. Likewise, in our own struggles—whether they be spiritual, emotional, or physical—we need the reminder that our God has not abandoned us.