May 9, 2023
I texted my sisters last Saturday morning. We watched Harry and Meghan’s wedding in 2018 at dawn at a Hilton Garden Inn right here in Dublin. They wore their fascinators, I brought the crumpets (ok, donuts). I knew they’d also be watching the coronation of Charles III, and they were! Did you?
It’s fascinating to me to watch the use of symbols in both church and empire pageantry. The Archbishop whetted my appetite prior to the coronation by sharing that “the trick is not to make it look like an operetta.” I got the point, and hoped it didn’t offend my melophile friends.
But rhetoric, not music, is my jam, and symbols were everywhere throughout.
• I noted more women and more persons of color than I had seen before in such an event. The church is, and can be part of the solution.
• Swords were prominent, despite Jesus’ admonishment that we should beat them into plowshares. Not lost on me was the female sword bearer, not in military garb. Jael would have been proud.
• Scepters were lifted. And crowns, which had been fitted with the royal jewels once again. And, of course, a 1,000+ year old throne, which looked the weathered part it played. All were a far cry from the purple cloak and crown of thorns, which Jesus accepted at the hands of the empire. Ironically, the Christ’s heavenly throne far exceeds any in this earthly realm.
• The golden orb was, though not unfamiliar, a surprise. It is often seen in Christian iconography portraying the Christ as King of the Universe, Christo Rey. It made me a little uncomfortable given England’s sad role in global colonization.
• The anointing was done behind a screen, more personal than public. Given our reading in The Story about Israel’s misguided desire and dependence on kings and power, I appreciated it that it was not his head, but the king’s hands and chest (reminiscent of Christ’s wounds?) that were anointed.
We do well to notice critically how symbols are used. Empires often try to co-opt religious imagery, and, as our struggle with “Christian nationalism” attests today, some zealots sadly seek earthly power rather love of neighbor. Pomp, flags, symbols are all too easily trotted out by Caesars, dictators, or elected politicians. Charles III publicly vowed to “maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law.” I’m guessing not all his guests whispered “amen.”
But, as the Archbishop of Canterbury ensured, this was worship, built around the western rite. Gather, Word, Meal (albeit sadly only for a few clergy, the new queen and king) and Sending. Diverse powerful music enhanced it all.
Beyond the symbols were words I pray were not symbolic.
• We were welcomed with words we might use “… as fellow children of God, we welcome you in the name of the King of kings.” To which Charles III responded, as we ought also respond, “In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve.”
• As the recessing king and queen were greeted at the door by diverse faith leaders who offered, “… as neighbors in faith, we too acknowledge the value of public service. We unite with people of all faiths and beliefs in thanksgiving, and in service with you for the common good.”
May God’s good Word, made flesh, not symbol, guide and direct us as we too seek to love God and serve our neighbors.
Pastor Jim Wilson
P.S. Blessed Mother’s Day to those who celebrate, those who grieve, those who long, and those who care for others right now. Wherever you are, and whatever situation you might be this year, may you fully experience the love and comfort of our great mothering God.
It’s fascinating to me to watch the use of symbols in both church and empire pageantry. The Archbishop whetted my appetite prior to the coronation by sharing that “the trick is not to make it look like an operetta.” I got the point, and hoped it didn’t offend my melophile friends.
But rhetoric, not music, is my jam, and symbols were everywhere throughout.
• I noted more women and more persons of color than I had seen before in such an event. The church is, and can be part of the solution.
• Swords were prominent, despite Jesus’ admonishment that we should beat them into plowshares. Not lost on me was the female sword bearer, not in military garb. Jael would have been proud.
• Scepters were lifted. And crowns, which had been fitted with the royal jewels once again. And, of course, a 1,000+ year old throne, which looked the weathered part it played. All were a far cry from the purple cloak and crown of thorns, which Jesus accepted at the hands of the empire. Ironically, the Christ’s heavenly throne far exceeds any in this earthly realm.
• The golden orb was, though not unfamiliar, a surprise. It is often seen in Christian iconography portraying the Christ as King of the Universe, Christo Rey. It made me a little uncomfortable given England’s sad role in global colonization.
• The anointing was done behind a screen, more personal than public. Given our reading in The Story about Israel’s misguided desire and dependence on kings and power, I appreciated it that it was not his head, but the king’s hands and chest (reminiscent of Christ’s wounds?) that were anointed.
We do well to notice critically how symbols are used. Empires often try to co-opt religious imagery, and, as our struggle with “Christian nationalism” attests today, some zealots sadly seek earthly power rather love of neighbor. Pomp, flags, symbols are all too easily trotted out by Caesars, dictators, or elected politicians. Charles III publicly vowed to “maintain in the United Kingdom the Protestant Reformed Religion established by law.” I’m guessing not all his guests whispered “amen.”
But, as the Archbishop of Canterbury ensured, this was worship, built around the western rite. Gather, Word, Meal (albeit sadly only for a few clergy, the new queen and king) and Sending. Diverse powerful music enhanced it all.
Beyond the symbols were words I pray were not symbolic.
• We were welcomed with words we might use “… as fellow children of God, we welcome you in the name of the King of kings.” To which Charles III responded, as we ought also respond, “In his name, and after his example, I come not to be served but to serve.”
• As the recessing king and queen were greeted at the door by diverse faith leaders who offered, “… as neighbors in faith, we too acknowledge the value of public service. We unite with people of all faiths and beliefs in thanksgiving, and in service with you for the common good.”
May God’s good Word, made flesh, not symbol, guide and direct us as we too seek to love God and serve our neighbors.
Pastor Jim Wilson
P.S. Blessed Mother’s Day to those who celebrate, those who grieve, those who long, and those who care for others right now. Wherever you are, and whatever situation you might be this year, may you fully experience the love and comfort of our great mothering God.