Honoring Mother

The first section presents the main theme about Mother's Day celebrated in 81 countries worldwide, affirming that mother is the most important person in a child's life. The sermon tells the story of a 15-year-old boy who desperately sought his mother by climbing onto an airplane wheel traveling from San Francisco to Hawaii, demonstrating the sacred and powerful emotional bond between mother and child. Traditional Vietnamese folk poetry and literary works are used to illustrate mothers' love and teaching throughout history.

The second section develops the theological argument by explaining the character "Hiếu" (filial piety) according to its Sino-Vietnamese etymological root, showing the meaning of carrying or helping aging parents. The sermon cites specific Scripture passages: Exodus 20:12, Ephesians 6:2-3, and Proverbs 1:7-9 to prove that honoring parents is the first commandment with a promise of blessing. Vietnamese historical examples such as the story of sticky rice cakes (bánh chưng bánh dầy) by Lang Liêu, Nguyễn Trãi's relationship with his father Phi Khanh, and Emperor Lê Thánh Tôn's care for his mother all demonstrate that filial piety is the foundation of Vietnamese culture and character.

The third section applies the message to practical life through the example of King Solomon honoring his mother Bath-sheba by standing to greet her, bowing down, and placing her at his right hand (1 Kings 2:19). Although Solomon was the wisest and richest king, he still respected his mother, proving that knowledge and status never justify disrespecting one's mother. Jesus Christ himself obeyed his earthly parents from age 12 (Luke 2:41-51) and even on the cross cared for his mother Mary by entrusting her to John.

The fourth section emphasizes that parents' teachings are as precious as jewelry (Proverbs 1:8-9), and provides the example of Timothy who received faith from his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5, 3:14-15). The poem "Words Mother Taught" by Phùng Quán shows that even 20 years after his mother's death, the son still remembers her teaching to "be an honest person." Proverbs 15:20, 23:22, and 30:17 clearly warn against despising mothers when they grow old or become ill.

The final section concludes with a touching essay from Edmond de Amicis's work "Cuore" (The Heart), presented as a father's letter to his son Enrico after the boy was disrespectful to his mother. The essay reminds that mothers willingly sacrifice their happiness and even their lives to raise and teach their children, and that losing one's mother will be the saddest day of life. The conclusion states that filial piety is a sacred duty of human beings, and whoever disrespects his mother lacks character regardless of how high his position may be.