Her Majesty The Queen was born the year before my late father. For a couple of years before he died, Father was constantly speculating about whether this weekend would ever come. Whoever you are and whatever your views on royalty generally and the British Royal Family particularly, today no one can deny the human achievement of Her Majesty.
The Queen ascended the throne in 1952, a few years after the close of the second world war. She had youth and energy on her side but nothing by way of experience to fall back on in tricky situations. Now the opposite is the case; full of years and rich in experience one supposes she would be glad to have more energy. For us all, not just royalty, that same tension exists.
I am conscious that this Sunday is Pentecost, the last in the season of Easter before we move into the long line of Sundays after Pentecost that takes us through to Advent. Today’s reading from Saint John’s Gospel (20:19-23) recounts on the post resurrection appearances. First Jesus showed them his hands and side, the wounds that reminded the disciples of the immediate aftermath and excitement of the Resurrection, and then he breathed the Spirit on them and empowered them to forgive sins. Their empowerment was amazing, but it brought with it great responsibility, to serve obediently. Therein lies that same tension that exists everywhere; the balance between new and experienced, young and old, energetic and measured.
This is a weekend when, while the population at large may not turn naturally to God anymore, the Lady at the heart of the celebrations will do so. In that she is aligned with the Apostles and a long line of the servants of God.
Congratulations Ma’am and thank God.
A prayer
Meet and right it is to sing
In every time and place,
Glory to our Heavenly King,
The God of Truth and Grace. Amen.
(Charles Wesley StF 32)