“I shall not die but shall live. Departing from the land of the dying, I hope to see the good things of the Lord in the land of the living.” - Edward the Confessor (1003-1066), King of England (Edward’s dying words)
Edward the Confessor was a king of England known for his diplomacy, his strong character, and for his faith and personal piety. He committed himself to feeding the poor, practicing hospitality, and avoiding foreign wars. As an act of devotion, Edward founded a monastery by the River Thames, beginning the royal patronage of Westminster Abbey. His reign marks the end of Anglo-Saxon rule in England, before the Norman conquest changed English society forever. Edward’s successor was defeated by William the Conqueror at the Battle of Hastings, mere months after Edward’s death. Contrasting William the Conqueror with Edward the Confessor, Ronald Knox said, “The Conqueror, who diverted the stream of history, went to his grave disappointed and lies there an historical memory. The Confessor, whose ambitions could be satisfied by finding a poor man his dinner, saw no corruption in death.”
Almighty God, you have surrounded us with a great cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good example of your servant Edward the Confessor, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at last, with him, we attain to your eternal joy; through Jesus Christ, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Art & bio by Ben Lansing // Prints and calendars available at www.ourchurchspeaks.com