The Yeomen of the Guard moved through the nave of Durham Cathedral and as I saw them I smiled and thought of Gilbert and Sullivan. Their colourful entry began the processions for the Royal Maundy service. I was so pleased to have received a ticket to attend.
Mayors and mayoresses with chains, senior police officers with medals, senior forces personnel, clergy of different faiths, academics in their gowns, choirs, all entered and then, as we sang Praise to the Holiest the King and Queen entered.
Despite the colour and pomp the ceremony itself was simple and moving, ably and smoothly conducted. In the sight of the ‘great and the good,’ and all in the Cathedral, the King thanked, and gave gifts to, everyday men and women, christian people who faithfully served church and community. These faithful servants were at the centre.
The Dean read Matthew 25: 31-46, the parable of the great assize, where Our Lord identifies himself with the stranger, the sick, the imprisoned the naked, and where those who show them care are given honour. Today in the Cathedral such people in our communities were honoured by the King.
I was fortunate to know two recipients and I met a further two. One whom I met told me she had joined the Salvation Army at the age of twenty and was still working for them sixty six years later. She had worked in soup kitchens, hostels and troubled city areas. It was a pleasure to meet her, proudly wearing her uniform. I was moved as I considered the selfless basic care she has given to so many over her lifetime.
I will not forget the ceremony and in particular the pleasure of listening to Handel’s Zadok the Priest, in the presence of the King. That was a special moment. But I also am sure I will not forget too the inspirational example of that Salvation Army captain, and other everyday christian people who faithfully serve in communities in our country today. Some of them received Maundy gifts today, for us they themselves are gifts.
A Retired Rector's Reflections 
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