We spent the last weekend of our holiday in London. It combined a long promised visit to Kew Gardens, a visit to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-final (that was me, not Chris – she continued to enjoy Kew for the afternoon) and then on Sunday morning joining others lining the streets to watch the Marathon runners stride/pound/struggle/wobble along the Embankment. I enjoyed all of it, but have been particularly reflecting upon the process of running a marathon. Once upon a time I was a decent enough runner, with enough stamina to probably manage a Marathon. But, I was always a lazy trainer, falling back on the excuse of shift work, and then unreliable hours of ministry as the reason why I just didn’t have time to train. In truth, it was never something I set my mind to, or applied the focus that each of these athletes will have discovered over the long hard winter training runs. And so I admire everyone who has done so and the people who have supported them over those hard months.
In a couple of weeks time the streets of London will be lined again for the Coronation of a King and Queen. As some may have gathered, I’m at best ambivalent towards royalty. I have serious questions about people who are valued and gain great power and privilege because of their birth rather than any particular gifts and talents they may possess. I’m deeply suspicious of a system where power is gifted so unquestionably. At the same time, I have different reservations about a republican system of government – all forms of power come with limitations for those of us who are governed. However, I like to take note of historical events and as the first Coronation in my lifetime I’m interested in how it plays out, what and who is included/excluded and the narrative that will accompany these events. So I will watch and listen with interest (whilst making my way to Manchester for a home match).
The Gospel reading on Coronation weekend is John 14:1-14. Jesus invites us into God’s house, where a place has been prepared for us, where we are valued for our presence and faithfulness. It is an invitation that does not seem to rely on either the status of our birth or tour commitment to training runs. It does not give one role value over another, or amplify our inequalities. There is a place for each of us who accepts the invitation. It is a reading well-loved at funeral services as it seems to offer us a place in God’s eternal home, but I think it is also to be seen in the act of being alive, of knowing our value despite all the things we might wish we could do better. Knowing that whether we are in procession, running the race, lining the streets or heading off somewhere else entirely, we can know that we love and are loved the one who invites us into God’s presence.
be blessed
Craig