Times of unsettledness can be eye-opening

Although the Queen did not have much direct influence in our governance and policies, still her passing creates a bit of unsettledness in our “realities.”

It is at the least a change of an era. It too, perhaps, signals or colludes with a general sense of upheaval, unsettledness (or anxiety?) in our culture.

For instance, our country and its laws, our communities and neighbourhoods, are significantly different than they were even 20 years ago, let alone 50 or 75 years ago. Yet, times of upheaval and unsettledness can be the occasion when our eyes are opened; and we see things more clearly, recognize where/what we are, or have our priorities clarified.

I think of that incredible theophany the ancient prophet had when the illustrious and long serving monarch of his day died. (You know the one, “the year that King Uzziah died...”) While few of us will experience, I would expect, such an incredible and life transformative event, it is possible that a collective reflection, as we gather as a commonwealth and country to mourn Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, may provide some clarity, or raise some important questions.

Just think of the changes she witnessed and that occurred during her reign.

Think of a Canada in 1926, when our late queen was born, or 1952, when she became queen. What would those Canadians think of the headlines of 2022?

What would those who sacrificed so much think about what we have done with the freedoms and victories they bought for us at such great cost? And what of the future? That future is our responsibility today.

A time where we pause because the ordinary and routine has been upset is an opportunity to take a new look at where (and who) we are. I am praying for a vision like that ancient one — we need a vision that humbles us and corrects us. And, a vision that uplifts and equips us for the task ahead!