Technology made it possible. My wife and I joined millions in watching the Coronation of King Charles III. What pomp and circumstance! What an affirmation of tradition!
My mind was stirred with all sorts of questions and affirmations throughout the entire event, and I reflected on the whole of life represented in varried ways and in different people.
The presence and power of tradition. Almost from the beginning, the Fiddler-on-the -Roof song, Tradition, kept sounding in my ears. We need to continually examine our traditions, recognizing that tradition has value, but it can also distort reality and over-shadow need.
The prodigal son came home. Prince Harry, who had deliberately set himself apart from the royal family and written a kind of “tell-it-all book “ was there at the specific invitation of his father.
Reconciliation was underscored. Before he was crowned, Charles made it clear that Camilla would be “queen.” The public had long refused to think in those terms because the world knew of Charles” adulterous relationship with her which led to his divorce from Dianna who was the most beloved member of the royal family. The entire ceremony left no question…Camilla was Queen. Not only with Harry, but also with Camilla, the public seemed reconciled.
How influential is the Christian faith? The coronation and the entire day all began with worship, worship that included Holy Communion. I noted that at one point when the archbishop was placing the crown on Camilla’s head, he had to adjust it as she reached up to get its rightly positioned. How much power does the Church have and how will faith influence King Charles’ reign?
At the beginning, and throughout the Coronation event, I kept remembering my friend Mary. We were classmates and active in the Christian Student Movement in college. Her commitment to Christ was obvious and expressed in inspiring and challenging ways, climaxing with her commitment to be a missionary. After 2 years of training, she was consecrated as a Missionary to what was then The Belgium Congo.
For years I treasured a letter she wrote me in her early months of missionary service. She told of joining others to watch a parade that included the King of Belgium. They talked about standing and waiting in excitement to see the King. Then she wrote, “There has been nothing more exciting in my life than when I met my King, Jesus, and gave him my life.”
I said “amen” to that over and over again as I watched the Coronation of King Charles III.