Hello everyone,
We have been reflecting a lot on the life of Queen Elizabeth II. I would like to share with you my reflections which I wrote a week ago for our Facebook column. I wrote these as I reflected upon the readings for the 24th Sunday in Ordinary Time. I wondered how I may pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, our former head of state here in Aotearoa, as I read through the readings for today. One line struck me, the opening sentence of the Gospel from Luke 15:1-32. “The tax collectors and the sinners were all seeking the company of Jesus … and the Pharisees and scribes complained, This man welcomes sinners and eats with them."
I imagine that Queen Elizabeth had to dutifully sit and have meals with some of the most deplorable people and leaders over her long reign. She had to show hospitality to presidents who simply lacked good manners, like the one who pushed himself in front of her as they went to inspect the palace guards. She simply made her way around this over-sized bumbling idiot and took her rightful place in front of him. Her service to the Commonwealth reminds me of the efforts of Pope Francis to keep both Ukraine and Russia in his prayers and diplomatic endeavours to bring about peace.
I am also reminded of Nelson Mandela’s wise reply on public television to an aggressive questioner who demanded to know how he could have good relationships with leaders of countries and movements that were out of favour with some of the more powerful nations of the world. His reply went something like this, “I do not accept that you have the right to demand that I make your enemies my enemies.” In story form, Jesus responded in a similar way to his critics by telling three parables, the one about the lost sheep, the second about the lost coin and the third about the prodigal son.
“May the angels guide Elizabeth to the halls of heaven to find her place with her husband Philip among former subjects who will now truly know her as a sister, companion and a daughter of God for surely she deserves her reward for so many years of service.”
Thank you for your continued support. May we especially keep in mind and prayer the people of Pakistan. One parishioner of a local parish wrote to ask if she could send us money she intends to raise within her parish. She contacted us in the hope that we could ensure that the money would be sent directly to the Columbans. I assured her that we will send this money directly to the Columbans in Pakistan to assist in the relief efforts following the massive flooding recently.
Meanwhile, I trust that you are all keeping well or recovering well, especially those who have been the victims of local flooding. I trust that you have enjoyed the support and help of neighbours during this particularly difficult time.
God bless you all.
Tom Rouse
18 September 2022
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