Honoring Those We Love

Rev. Randy Young –

Behind Easter and Christmas Eve, Mother’s Day is the most well attended day at church. Why might that be? Our Jewish brothers and sisters often begin many of their celebrations by asking: “What makes this day different from all other days? So what makes this day different from all other days?

To be honest, I can’t think what made it special to my mom when I was a child. I think the reason is because there wasn’t anything in particular we did each and every Mothers’ Day to mark the event as special. I can’t remember buying my mom flowers or a corsage every year. I can’t remember a particular restaurant we took mom for dinner. Nor can I remember adding to a collection that was special to her.

So what makes this day different from all other days? It seems to me that doing something special, something you don’t usually do, something about which you make a big deal is one way to make this day special.

In preparation for the coming sermon, let me invite you to take some time to reflect:

Thinking back in your life, recall a few times when people honored you. What happened? What did they do? What made it special to you?

Thinking back in your life, recall a few times you worked to honor someone. What did you do? Did that person feel honored? What was the evidence?

Upon reflection, what are the special characteristics of honoring?

Finally, as followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to honor God. In what ways do you honor God? Are they ways that pleases God? Are they private or public ways to honor God? Does it make a difference?