Royal fans -- and even those not so impressed about the antiquated regal system -- have been anxious about Queen Elizabeth II's health over the last couple of months. In a rare departure from her usual commitment to duties, the British sovereign has missed some key engagements recently, and was even hospitalized for preliminary tests in October.
Sadly, this weekend the 95-year-old missed out on a duty she holds dear -- the National Remembrance Sunday service that honors war veterans -- due to a sprained back. It was a reminder to many of the Queen's advanced age.
Today the monarch also missed an event for the first time in its 51-year history -- the national assembly of the Church of England's Synod, as reported in the Daily Mail. However, in her absence, her son Prince Edward delivered her speech that was both poignant and important in addressing the challenges to the Christian faith in today's constantly changing society.
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Reminding those gathered that it was over half a century since she and her late husband, Prince Philip, went to the first Synod, the Queen spoke of what has held true in that time, and for centuries before:
None of us can slow the passage of time; and while we often focus on all that has changed in the intervening years, much remains unchanged, including the Gospel of Christ and his teachings.
As the Supreme Governor of the Church of England, the sovereign pointed out to the gathered bishops and clergy how God's constant love can be of great comfort as they make decisions on how the Church of England will address key national issues, such as poverty.
'In some areas, there will, of course, be differing views and my hope is that you will be strengthened with the certainty of the love of God, as you work together and draw on the Church's tradition of unity in fellowship for the tasks ahead.
In her speech, she also spoke about how the coronavirus has affected so many, and how the Gospel had been paramount in giving us hope:
For people of faith, the last few years have been particularly hard, with unprecedented restrictions in accessing the comfort and reassurance of public worship. For many, it has been a time of anxiety, of grief, and of weariness. Yet the Gospel has brought hope, as it has done throughout the ages...
Although her speech was aimed at leading members of the Church of England, a lot of what she said resonates with Christians everywhere. It reminds us that whatever is happening in our lives, among the chaos, uncertainty, and joy, we should always lean on the Gospel to help ground us in God's constant love.
