So Many Pageants and So Much Liturgy

In the past year, we have had quite helping of Anglican liturgy: first, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, then, alas, her funeral and now Charles’ coronation.  

So much that the press broadcast — sans commercials — was Christian liturgy and music. 

All these events were covered by several outlets, as they unfolded.

Similarly  we have learned too much about some royals’ foibles and failures — as they unfolded!

Not that some in the royal family have behaved more outrageously than some of their ancestors. We just didn’t know about them.

However, as diaries, papers and other records are more available,  ancient folk stumbled in just the same way some do today.* 

Looking at Charles and Camilla, et al, and knowing more about them than I hope anyone ever knows about me, I thought:

I look into the faces of people struggling with their own lives, and I do not see strangers. ~  Robert Brault 

Following the Liturgy

As we followed along, the program for the coronation’s hymns and prayers showed Christ is Lord of all.

It was a proper proclamation I think Billy Graham might have approved.

However, a BBC commentator observed there remains a genuine disconnect of faith in this day and age to that in 1953.   

The gulf is growing between an unreligious people observing “a deep religious service,” and believing in the God whom the words and music laud. 

In these times of diversity of faith  today’s widely telecast worship service was a gift — for those who listened or read the words. The pageantry and liturgy was a time to rehearse what Christians believe about Christ’s rule through grand liturgy anchored in the Bible. 

For Example:

Young Person (Chapel Royal chorister): 

Your Majesty,
as children of the Kingdom of God we welcome you
in the name of
the King of Kings 

The King: 

In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served
but to serve. 

Hoping and Praying 

The times are not any brighter, for all the glitter of today’s pageantry — Here’s hoping we all remember something Charles’ grandfather cited in his Christmas broadcast in 1939, a poem by Minnie Louise Haskins:

“I said to the man who stood at the Gate of the Year
‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.’
And he replied, “Go out into the darkness, and put your hand into the hand of God.
That shall be to you better than light, and safer than a known way.'”

Here’s hoping . . . that all the liturgy sowed many seeds!

I am praying that those who attended and watched and all those who may be struggling with the consequences of their choices, will remember God welcomes those who come to Him . . .   (Matthew 11:28-30 )

It’s Not Like We Weren’t Told WHO Rules

• I recommend the latest book by Sally Bendell Smith: George VI and Elizabeth   and  Lady Almina and the Real Downton Abbey: The Lost Legacy of Highclere Castle  by Countess of Fiona Carnarvon