25 Comments

Hi Diana, I thought I saved your mailing address from last years subscription. I want to renew my subscription but don't do so on line. Is this still possible?

Thanks,

Lois Buchholz

Expand full comment

Well said. I think her majesty's ending should inspire many beginnings.

Expand full comment

Thank you for this reflection. I do wonder what the Biblical authors would have thought of Capitalism (which wasn't around back then) and its elevation of monetary value as the value that supposedly best provides for all other values to succeed. It seems the capitalist system is designed to promote the very greed being warned against in scripture. Yet historically capitalism has funded good at least some of the time, and what alternatives do we have? I sense that today's lectionary is calling us to individual responsibility with regard to money and greed, but what of our participation in the system itself?

Expand full comment

A lovely reminder to what is important and how to craft the intention of life ❤️🤍 I may want to include this as reading at my Rosh Hashanah table this afternoon. A lovely message and reminder for the Jewish New Year 🙏🏻

Expand full comment

In my work as a financial coach, I teach clients about all aspects of money, including the wise words you have given us today as money can be the source of much that is not good. Thank you.

Expand full comment

I went to YouTube to watch the committal and picked this one: https://youtu.be/xT3SKa69ij8. I think it is interesting that the most replayed section of the service is the section where Elizabeth's casket was stripped of the crown, scepter, and orb.

Expand full comment

Yes! Your insight is inspiring. To me, the most fascinating thing about the queen’s life comes from the twist of fate that propelled her to the crown. Out of an embarrassing family scandal, and then, sadly, the tragic loss of her beloved father, her pathway to her reign became possible. And you’re right, in the end, the only thing we can take to our grave is the love we have in our heart. So, I agree, our biggest treasure is to live a good life surrounded by people who love us because of our gratitude and charity.

Expand full comment

Reminds one also of Qoheleth (Ecclesiastes)

Expand full comment
Sep 25, 2022Liked by Diana Butler Bass

thankyou Diana for this wonderful reminder of the true way of life...beautifully written...and it inspired me to send you the lyrics to this wonderful song...just lost my husband of 43 years last month years after a long battle with Dementia...and this was a song he asked me to play for him everyday and also at his funeral...gave us both such comfort knowing we are never alone

Marti

"All My Tears"

When I go don't cry for me

In my fathers arms I'll be

The wounds this world left on my soul

Will all be healed and I'll be whole

Sun and moon will be replaced

With the light of Jesus' face

And I will not be ashamed

For my savior knows my name

It don't matter where you bury me

I'll be home and I'll be free

It don't matter where I lay

All my tears be washed away

Gold and silver blind the eye

Temporary riches lie

Come and eat from heaven's store

Come and drink and thirst no more

So weep not for me my friend

When my time below does end

For my life belongs to him

Who will raise the dead again

It don't matter where you bury me

I'll be home and I'll be free

It don't matter where I lay

All my tears be washed away

Julie Miller

Expand full comment

As a senior citizen, I am confronted by the folly of the capitalist system that I was indoctrinated with since birth. I recognize my responsibility in thoughtlessly embracing it as I chased collecting things that I now regret as frivolous. How I wish I had considered that not even my children would want most of my earthly possessions. Even those I hold as sentimental.

I look at the fury of weather patterns intensifying and people losing everything in the blink of an eye. I realize that I both willingly and unwittingly contributed to climate change. This passage reminds me that I have been “trapped by many senseless and harmful desires”. I don’t need to look at others, not monarchs, not my neighbors, and not even politicians to be rich in good works and live in God’s grace. Let there be Peace on earth, and I pray it begins with me looking in the mirror before I turn to dust.

Expand full comment

Wise words and thoughtful reflection. Thank you

Expand full comment

The encouraging thing about Queen Elizabeth II is I believe she understood this truth. Wealth and worldly power will come to an end. The hymns and scripture she chose, the way she lived her life, the sermon by the archbishop, all gave witness to her faith in Christ and her understanding that only God is worthy of devotion, service and eternal glory.

Expand full comment

Corinthians 1:13

Expand full comment

IN GOLD WE TRUST

Expand full comment

Read this last week and circled: “How heavy is the toll of sins and wrongs that wealth, power and prestige exact from man! ” --Gandhi -- a powerful image, Diana, of the queen in her casket, unadorned by all the wealth that had surrounded her in life. A good reminder

Expand full comment

A passage Diana we need to remember each day. Even those on limited budget.

I am disturbed by the large churches that have to many empty pews. I ask myself why don’t these

Churches use their facilities to serve those in need. They are rich in buildings that are only use a few days a week.

I sure agree with your comments about the English monarchy.

Have

Bette

Expand full comment