This thought comes as a continuation on the theme of inheritance which I have been thinking a lot about recently. I have realised how much this issue features in books and films, when situations that seem to be unfair cause distress, rifts in families and even crimes such as murder.
While many people strive to leave their assets in equal measure to each of their chosen family members, there are some situations where this is just not possible.
A country estate, for instance, usually has to be left to one beneficiary, with large responsibilities attached. In the case of royalty only 1 person can inherit the crown. Over centuries this has caused much strife, going back to all the infighting between David’s sons as to who should succeed him as king of Israel in the Bible.
I write about our current royal family with some hesitation as much has already been said. So I will refrain from commenting on the current rift, but concentrate on one particular member of the family who always knew she would never inherit the crown, as girls did not have equal rights with boys in the line of succession until 2015 and Princess Anne had 3 brothers who would take precedence. Also she was the second child so always knew her eldest brother Charles was being prepared to become king over many years.
A few years ago I went to a Catholic service with a friend and was interested when the priest said in his sermon that, prior to entering the priesthood, he worked as director of a well known charity, and had quite a lot of contact with the Royal family. He particularly spoke of his admiration for Princess Anne, for her hardworking attitude and focus on the task in hand, and for her servant heart to the charities she is patron of, thereby using her position of influence to benefit those born into very deprived circumstances.
I believe it has also been apparent over the years how much support she has given to her parents in their roles and, more recently to her brother in his challenging position as king. She has shown no apparent resentment of not inheriting the top position, rather she has worked to support her family and the people she serves. She could so easily have reacted differently but her devotion to duty has earned her the respect and admiration of the public.
John the Baptist had a great calling from God to prepare the way for the Messiah by calling people to repentance and a fresh relationship with God. He also knew that Jesus was greater than him, and when Jesus came to him to be baptised he queried whether it should be Jesus baptising him. He knew when to step back and allow Jesus to take precedence as his ministry grew.
Prayer – Father God we thank you for those who inherit big responsibilities and carry out their work faithfully. We pray for our King Charles in the difficult and challenging role he has inherited. We also thank you for those who support him by doing their less prestigious jobs well, such as Princess Anne. May they be upheld in the work they do.