Clergy Notes — Fifth Sunday after Epiphany, February 6 2022

February 6 is HM The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee: the 70^th Anniversary of her Accession to the Throne of Canada, and her other realms and territories. I guess the majority of us have known no other Head of State in our lifetime.

Here is not the place to discuss the eccentricities, merits and demerits of a constitutional monarchy in the 21^st Century, other than to say that whilst the Crown has evolved in conjunction with changes in contemporary society, so The Queen has offered a symbol of stability and continuity across the Commonwealth and the world stage.

Princess Elizabeth, as she then was, made this vow to the peoples of what is now the Commonwealth on her 21^st birthday in 1947: “I declare before you all that my whole life whether it be long or short shall be devoted to your service . . .

But I shall not have strength to carry out this resolution alone unless you join in it with me, as I now invite you to do: I know that your support will be unfailingly given. God help me to make good my vow, and God bless all of you who are willing to share in it.”

The Queen’s Christmas Message over the years has been her principal means of speaking to the Commonwealth family. Often, if not always, these messages have included a personal reflection on one aspect or another of the Christian faith, and the wisdom, strength and inspiration The Queen draws from her love of God.

We do well to give thanks for 70 years of dedicated commitment and service: God save The Queen!

Every blessing,

Fr. Kevin