Servant King

On the day when our minds are filled with thoughts and images of kingship and coronation how fitting it is that the lectionary has also provided us with an image of kingship. It is one which defines that role within the context of “servant” and of “service in the kingdom of heaven” as opposed to any earthly realm. Don’t get me wrong – we pray each day for the kingdom to come, so it is apposite to say that the Coronation liturgy, which King Charles himself has been deeply involved in drafting, has him reciting in prayer the following words: God of compassion and mercy, whose Son was sent not to be served but to serve, give grace that I may find in thy service perfect freedom, and in that freedom knowledge of thy truth. Let us pray that he will hold fast to the image of kingly service which Jesus came to inaugurate and that in so doing, servant leadership may become the paradigm of his reign.

In the Christian tradition the diaconate as the ministry of service, has its roots in the incident as described in the Acts of the Apostles in today’s first reading. The need to provide for those in the community who are less well off must always be of paramount importance in our understanding of our calling as servants. We recall how Jesus at the Last Supper spoke of how he himself was among them at table as “one who serves” (Lk 22.v27). In order that this service should be a natural and central element of our discipleship it must be expressed and lived out in each and every aspect of our lives. In whatever profession or role, public or in private, that we are called upon to undertake, the image of the servant must be applicable within its performance, from the top of the hierarchy to its foundations: “the stone rejected by the builders must be the cornerstone”, to quote the psalmist.

In the gospel, Thomas makes his famous intervention: we do not know where you are going so how can we know the way? It is a question that as a society and as a country we may well find ourselves asking as this new era of our history commences. It is a question which calls for a leadership which embraces the many and varied strands of our diverse communities and seeks to draw them together in a shared framework of support and acknowledgement of the good which rests within each. In his response to Thomas, Jesus makes a threefold connection to show us as Christians, how his servant leadership can be a powerful image for each of us. By walking his path, by proclaiming his truth, and by living his life we, as Christians, can contribute by our service, to the growth and enhancement of our communities up and down the nation.

Let us pray for King Charles and for our country.