THE Platinum Jubilee year of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II is a landmark in history that all who celebrate together at this time show the heart of the people of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
She is and continues to be a wonderful portrayal of how to communicate and relate to people of all nationalities and backgrounds, with great diplomacy and forbearance, even under considerable provocations. Truly an example that should put all who would seek to take offence at every smallest opportunity to shame.
This first week of June 2022 is time of celebration. Also, a celebration that is not, but perhaps should be in everyone’s calendar is Pentecost – the occasion of the birth of the Church through the fulfilling of the promises of God. From around 900BC recorded by the prophet Joel, and from Jesus before His crucifixion, death and resurrection, God promised a restoration of a real relationship with Him through Holy Spirit – and at Pentecost this was accomplished, recorded in Acts of the Apostles, and continued ever since.
The vitality of God is in the relationship we can have with Him, and through understanding His love for us, we can love one another, and live with kindness and peace. The more we move away from the attributes of God, so exemplified by HM the Queen, the more difficult it is to enjoy freedoms we have taken for granted for so long. The paradox of a tolerant society is that it must not tolerate intolerance. Sadly, many people have not understood this, so we are living in an increasingly intolerant atmosphere of offence, fear and control by the anonymous ‘they’ – those whose influence seems to be powerful, yet are never named. Happily, we have the antidote – good strong loving relationships, and communities that stand together to honour, respect, care and look out for one another.
There is a great scripture in which everyone might find wise guidance. Ephesians 4:29 – Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Her Majesty has shown great leadership over seven decades, fourteen Prime Ministers, and countless hosting of world leaders with enormous influence.
We have a kind and loving town – let’s spread the kindness and encourage love and peace wherever we can. This is what we can truly celebrate, being great neighbours to one another.
Revd Iain Murray – Church of the Living God, Westbury
