Hertingfordbury Parish News: May 2002
Clergy Letter
Dear Friends, On Sunday 7th April, Joe (my husband) and I did that very British thing - we joined a queue; not just any old queue you understand, it was 4 miles long and not leading to any bargain, even after a 5 3/4 hours wait. Of course you would be right if by now you have worked out that we were queuing in London for the Lying in State of the Queen Mother. The Salvation Army was on hand with cups of tea and coffee (for a donation); the WRVS supplied soup and sandwiches (same condition as S.A.). The make a buck brigade were selling hot dogs, coke and ice cream at exorbitant prices; one enterprising chap had purchased several dozen plastic Union Flags, brought the flag halfway down the stick and was selling them to be placed amongst the floral tributes in Victoria Garden near Westminster Abbey; and of course there were the student instrumentalists busking along the South Bank. The atmosphere was not exactly party spirited, but certainly companionable, the voices of children mixing with the more mature voices; the regional accents and the stories of how long it had taken to get to London; the guessing game of how long it would take to arrive at the Hall; the good natured teasing of the duty policemen; and the sense of just being where it mattered. The words respect, duty, charm, blitz, and most of all 'a sense of history'. The queue moved steadily onwards, it was a lovely sunny afternoon; as the Hall came closer the mood changed almost imperceptibly; there was less loud laughter. the conversations became more one to one; Police officers wearing Side Arms told us to switch off our mobile 'phones, place loose change and anything metal into the plastic bag they supplied and to move forward to the security screen area. Once through, the atmosphere changed yet again; there was a gentle stillness, a calm, and there before us was the catafalque still bearing the Crown and the white floral tribute with the simple inscription 'In loving Memory Lilibet'. We passed quietly along, a brief pause, a nod of respect, a whispered 'thank you' or God Bless Ma'am', some made the sign of the Cross. others with a tear in their eyes simply gazed. Then we were passed, a pause at the top of die steps, a last look back, then the journey home. Had it been worth the journey, the near 6-hour wait - oh yes. Why did I go? Because I wanted to, this 101-year-old had been the Queen to My King, a sense of history, and a sense of gratitude this and more that I cannot fully explain. The role Elizabeth Bowes Lyon came to in 1937 was not the one she had been born or married into; it was a role thrust upon her and she ftilfilled it with dignity and great fortitude. I may be wrong to think this way, and please forgive me if you think I am; but I couldn't help but think of our Lord as I stood in that queue, I thought of the crowds that had followed Him during His brief Ministry here on earth. I thought of those who had despised Him, attempted to trick Him, who ridiculed Him. Those who called to Pilate to 'Crucify Him', those who jeered at Him as He Hung on the Cross; those same crowds that became quiet in awe and wonder at His calm acceptance of His death. Is it really only after death that we can show our feelings for people? Our Lord died and rose for us, He lives in us as we live in Him. So come, join the queue now, its not 4 miles long, there is no 5-6 hour wait; to receive His love is instant, to walk His Way is to say 'I believe' and mean it, not just for today, but for always to the end of this life and into the next; no security check; lots of sustenance on the way; no walking by and looking back; but a welcome, secure and firm in His love; the journey begins whenever you are ready to make it; you may be surprised who you meet on 'The Way', but I promise you it will be good. Love and Blessing, Rev'd RosemaryPlease note: Although the Hertingfordbury Parish News is produced by St. Mary's PCC, the opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the PCC.