Platinum Jubilee: “I am not ashamed to say that I rely on Jesus Christ, that is what I also see in Her Majesty the Queen”

On the second day of Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee celebrations on Friday, a mass of thanksgiving was celebrated at St Paul's Cathedral in London by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. He hailed her 70 years of rule, saying she has been able to serve the nation "faithfully" "thanks to his faith in Jesus Christ". 

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, spiritual leader of the Church of England, announced last Monday suffer from Covid-19. He was therefore unable to lead the mass which took place on Friday at St Paul's Cathedral in London in honor of the 70-year reign of Elizabeth II, his platinum jubilee.

He was replaced by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, who is the third Church of England figure after the Queen and Justin Welby.

Due to her state of health, Elizabeth was also unable to attend this ceremony.

Despite her absence, Stephen Cottrell paid tribute to her and praised the sovereign's "faith in Jesus Christ", believing that it is thanks to this fidelity to God that she was able to serve the nation during all these years.

He began his sermon by quoting several verses from Philippians 4 which repeat the words of the apostle Paul.

“In everything make your needs known to God by prayers and supplications, with thanksgiving. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. »

With these verses, he recalls that Paul “is only worth following because he follows Jesus” and that Jesus himself “is worth following because he shows us who God is”.

The opportunity for the archbishop to evoke the reign of Elizabeth II, whom he also describes as a faithful servant of Jesus. He thus highlights the fact that the "best leaders - like Paul, like Jesus - are those who know how to let themselves be guided".

“For me, the best leaders - like Paul, like Jesus - are those who know how to let themselves be guided. People who lead for others, not for themselves. People whose heart desires to serve the common good and build the common life; who don't try to do everything themselves, or act in their own strength; people who see further; and who are looking for places of renewal, even places where they could learn the mind of Christ. Her Majesty the Queen has been able to serve our nation faithfully because of her faith in Jesus Christ. And I say this today, knowing that in Her Majesty the Queen we see an example of this kind of service; an unshakable constancy and an unshakeable constancy; a fidelity to God, an obedience to a vocation which is the foundation of his life. »

Stephen Cottrell then attempts to describe faith in Jesus Christ as "a fountain" and "a well".

“It is the well from which we draw deeply and replenish ourselves through all of life's challenges, joys and ups and downs. And it is a fountain, overflowing with immense joy. Joy, that we can live in the assurance of being loved; joy, that God has a purpose for our lives; and, joy, that through the death and resurrection of Christ we have the promise of eternal life. »

“Your Majesty, we are sorry that you are not with us this morning in person, but we are delighted that you are still in the saddle. And we are all happy that there is even more to come”, he continued before thanking her for having stayed “on course” and having remained faithful to the promises made 70 years ago.

“So thank you for staying the course. Thank you for continuing to live up to the promises you made 70 years ago. Thank you for showing us how much service and loyalty matter. People of all faiths and no faith and people of goodwill can learn from this. »

“I'm not ashamed to say that I lean on Jesus Christ, that I try to live close to his heart. That I need his wisdom and his hope. And if you will forgive me for such presumption, that is what I also see in Her Majesty the Queen, ”said the Archbishop of York.

In conclusion, Stephen Cottrell called for following the example of faith of Elizabeth II, believing that there is "no better way to celebrate her platinum jubilee".

Camille Westphal Perrier

Image credit: Shutterstock.com / Alessia Pierdomenico