New beginnings

Reflections for the wedding of

Matthew Anthony Bernardi and Audrey May Lane

Matthew and Audrey have invited members of their respective families and some of their friends to be here today because this is one of those days that merits celebrating.  There are a few key days in our lives that we should always remember, that we should always celebrate joyfully with friends, and that are meant to mould us into the people we are meant to be.

First, allow me to congratulate you both.  The choice you have made to publicly declare your love for one another, and the plans you have to spend the rest of your lives together should never be taken lightly.  You are continuing the tradition of countless other couples before you who have celebrated their weddings in the presence of their families and friends, and your presence here in the Church today shows us that your faith is important to you.  Audrey told me that her family has traditionally followed the Anglican tradition.  I`m not sure whether you know it or not, but the Archbishop of Canterbury, who is the leader of the Anglican Communion throughout the world, met yesterday with Pope Francis in the Vatican.  This was the first time in more than 40 years that the leader of the Catholic Church and the leader of the Anglican Communion have stood in the same room and shared their dreams for unity.  What a sign of hope for our Church!  What a sign of hope you two are for your families, and for the Church today.

In the gospel you chose for today’s celebration, Jesus explains that it is part of God’s plan that none of us should walk the road of life and faith alone.  Today, this man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one.  Thank you for the witness of love that you share with us today.  This community of faith needs you, we all need you to be signs of God’s love in our midst.  We need you to be joyful examples of God’s enduring commitment to sharing himself with us, by sharing the gifts and talents that are yours with everyone you meet.

It is a privilege for us to witness this day in your lives, and throughout this day, many will offer their words of wisdom – hints about how to make the most of the life that lies before you.  Some of the best advice is contained in the scripture passages you chose for this moment of prayer.  The Song of Songs in its entirety is a love song sung between God, the ultimate lover, and his beloved – us.  In particular, the words of the first reading that we heard today are words that spring easily from the lips of young lovers, but every day of our lives should be an occasion for such words to be uttered.  So, here’s the first part of the advice shared by the wisdom of the scriptures: Listen every day for the voice of your beloved.  Hear in the words that are whispered, and in the words that are unspoken, the joy that you celebrate today.  Not every day will be joyous, but especially when challenges arise, listen, listen hard if you must for the words of this song.  Today, you are asking each other to set this love as a seal upon your hearts.  This love, a gift of God, is stronger than any challenge that might face you in the future, so look to God for guidance when you need it, and remember that his love will never fail you.

The second word of advice comes from Saint Paul’s letter to the new Christian community in the city of Collosee.  Like them, you too are new to the married state, and for a while, you may still need to adjust, to learn how to nurture and care for one another.  Take Paul’s words as a guide: every day of your lives, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience.  Bear with one another, and with your family and friends in love and charity.  Always be ready to forgive, for the Lord has already forgiven you, and above all, in everything you do, clothe yourselves in love.  If you do, then the word of Christ you have heard today will dwell in you.  Nurture it, care for it, just as you nurture and care for one another … and above all, remember every day to give thanks to God for this man, for this woman with whom you have been given the privilege to spend the rest of your life.