麻豆社

Preparations are well underway for the Queens platinum Jubilee, with four days of celebrations, including; military parades, a church service and a concert outside Buckingham palace. The bunting is up and the flags are out, ready for parties that will line the streets.

The concept of a jubilee has its roots in the Bible. In the Christian and Jewish tradition, it isn鈥檛 just about celebrating an anniversary with a big number like 25, or 50 years it鈥檚 an idea of sacrifice and giving and the bringing together of community.

Verses in the book of Leviticus, describe God鈥檚 intention that the Israelites should remain free from ongoing slavery by instituting a Sabbath (or rest) year every seven years. In addition, 鈥楾he Year of the Jubilee鈥� came every 50th year, during which people would be released from debt, slaves would be set free.

During the Day of Atonement, the blowing of a ram鈥檚 horn would indicate the start of the year of Jubilee. This act of restoration brought reconciliation, and a renewed relationship between the people and God.

In a Jubilee year, the Israelites were not supposed to sow or harvest so both the land and people could rest. It was a time for families and loved ones to be reunited and to start off the next year with a clean slate.

The Jubilee laws tried to ensure that people lived in ways that reflect good relationships with God, with each other, and with creation.

Within the reality of a world of broken relationships, Jubilee is an expression of God鈥檚 desire for all of creation to flourish. It was radical and countercultural, a model for good collective living, in order to thrive as individuals and as a community.
These are themes that I know are important to her majesty. In her Ascension Day message she said, 鈥淚 hope this jubilee will bring together families and friends, neighbours and communities鈥�.

Over the next few days there will be thousands of events all over the country, both small and large but while the party menus might differ, we will be celebrating together something that can unite us.

True to the traditional jubilee values the Queen inspires us to be more of what we鈥檇 like to be; in her steadfastness, resilience and integrity.

However you're planning to celebrate this long weekend I hope it goes well and the weather is good. And amid all the partying, that you get a chance to remember the original meaning of jubilee.

Show less