The Example of Filial Piety
Pastor Tan Thai · May 1, 2023
The sermon emphasizes the value of maternal love and filial piety, particularly in the context of Mother's Day during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, the pastor demonstrates that filial piety is not merely words but must be expressed through concrete actions and genuine love.
The sermon begins by noting that Mother's Day is observed in over 81 countries worldwide, transcending religious and cultural boundaries. A mother's love for her child is unconditional and eternal, beginning from conception and continuing throughout life. The pastor emphasizes that mothers always view their children through the lens of love, regardless of whether they are sick or healthy, beautiful or plain.
The main narrative centers on the Book of Ruth, which tells the story of Naomi who loses her husband and two sons, leaving her in despair and profound grief. The pastor notes that in modern society, many mothers "lose" their children because they stray from faith, become wayward, or are ungrateful. The sermon criticizes the harsh judgment of churches toward mothers whose children are wayward or disobedient, reminding congregations that the church must be a safe place of love that welcomes even the lost sons and daughters.
Ruth, Naomi's daughter-in-law, is presented as a perfect example of filial piety. Despite losing her husband, Ruth chooses to stay and care for her mother-in-law, gleaning grain to earn a living, sharing her food, and obeying her. Ruth's actions illustrate that true filial piety is self-sacrifice, hard work, respect, and love expressed through concrete deeds. The pastor compares Vietnamese concepts of filial duty with Chinese characters to demonstrate that the character for "filial piety" contains the meaning of placing parents above oneself and caring for them in their old age.
The sermon concludes with the message that the church needs "Ruths" to care for suffering "Naomis," and children must learn from Ruth's example in caring for aging parents. The pastor encourages those caring for elderly parents that God will bless them, illustrating this through the story of a small child and a list of chores and their wages.