A Royal Light Bearer

Jesus said to the people: “No one after lighting a lamp hides it under a jar or puts it under a bed but puts it on a lampstand, so that those who enter may see the light.”

Yesterday we celebrated the funeral of Queen Elizabeth – and I would say she certainly is an excellent example of someone, of a woman, who lit a lamp and put it on a lampstand when she was crowned Queen of England in 1953 at the tender age of 25.  On the day of her coronation, she spoke these famous words: “I declare before you all that my whole life, whether it be long or short, shall be devoted to your service and the service of our great imperial family to which we all belong.”

Image: Unsplash/Vladimir Fedotov

During her 70-year reign she did not hide her light under a jar but put it on a lampstand letting it shine brightly. I doubt she would have been able to let her light shine brightly all these years, right to the very end of her life, had she not fostered a close relationship with Jesus, who spoke much about the light – proclaiming “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life.” And in Psalm 119, we read that Jesus’ word is “a lamp unto our feet and a light to our path.” Jesus’ word was the light to Queen Elizabeth’s path all her life. As she expressed in these words: 

“To what greater inspiration and counsel can we turn than to the imperishable truth to be found in this treasure house, the Bible?”

-Sister Magdalena Vogt, cps

Mourning a Beloved Monarch

Thanks to the excellent reporting of the CBC, I spent the last ten days taking in the events of the death and days of mourning for Queen Elizabeth II.  From the announcement of her death in Balmoral, through the days of visitation in Scotland and four days in Westminster Hall, to the funeral at Westminster Abbey and final farewell ceremony in St. George’s Chapel in Windsor, I was glued to the tv.  I sat mesmerized as millions of adoring people spent hours being present on the city streets and as millions more watched through media coverage.

Just as the public mourned, I also mourned the passing of an exemplary sovereign from the little sofa in my room.  My earliest memory of Her Majesty occurred when I was nine-year old.  I watched with eager interest as my older sister created a beautiful scrapbook of the 1953 coronation of a young Queen Elizabeth II.  Who was this beautiful woman?  From that moment onward, I followed her interesting life in the media, read books about her and the royal family and dabbled in the history of former kings and queens.

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip traveled throughout the world, strengthening the Commonwealth, which included at least 40 trips to Canada.  Wherever she and the prince spent time, they created a positive impact for good. I always admired the Queen’s easy smile, calm manner, sense of humor, love of animals, and knowledge of the people where she visited.

Being a woman with historical knowledge, Queen Elizabeth was well versed in Britain’s grasp for power. In former times, the country was known for its strong navy and as the old saying states, “Britain ruled the waves”. Thus, they inserted themselves into many lands, including Canada where land was taken, treaties were entered into with native peoples, and treasures were traded for trinkets.

Today, after witnessing the pomp and circumstance of the past week and knowing that England is admired for its great displays of wealth and grandeur, I think of the grievances of past behavior. In contrast to former exploitation, our recent monarchs have been exemplary in their peace making and execution of duty.  Past exploits leave today’s people carrying inherited grief and shame for what was done throughout conquering centuries. Much truth and reconciliation needs to happen.  In Canada, this initiative is beginning to occur.  King Charles III will no doubt embrace the call to truth and reconciliation just as our beloved Queen Elizabeth II executed her duty sowing seeds of peace and harmony.

-Sister Jean Moylan, csj

National Day of Service and Remembrance

Image: Unsplash/Julien Maculan

Most people remember exactly where they were on September 11, 2001 as the first of a series of planes crashed into the World Trade Centre, the South Tower, the Pentagon and Shanksville P.A. Since then, Americans gather to remember the 3000 innocent victims. They honour and give thanks as well to the countless Police, Firefighters and Volunteers who rushed toward the disaster areas to selflessly offer their help.

Today we are invited to reflect not only on the 9-11 event and their consequences but also on the atrocities that continue to occur throughout the world and perhaps in our own neighbourhoods. A quick glance at any newspaper will draw our attention to a long list: poverty, homelessness, hunger, stabbings, war, tragic deaths. Some days it is overwhelming, I turn off the TV, close the paper and sit quietly listening.

“Listening to God, to the Universe, to the world’s pulse, we trust that healing and whole making energies are released in ourselves and the planet.”

— Sisters of St. Joseph in Canada

What is my role in eliminating such pain where I live? How can I be of service?  Then the Spirit nudges me to recall the bravery of those who have gone before me doing good, volunteering, visit the sick, praying with a friend, smile at people along the way; simple actions but with great potential to brighten a day. I can follow their lead.  Scripture tells me to” feed the hungry”, “cloth the naked”.  I can do that!  Some very wise women encourage me when they say, “Listening to God, to the Universe, to the world’s pulse, we trust that healing and whole making energies are released in ourselves and the planet”.  I believe them and find renewed energy.

What helps you to remain hopeful and helpful?

-Maureen Condon is an Associate of the Sisters of St. Joseph