Here is the text of the reflection I prepared for the wedding celebration that I had the honour of presiding at earlier today.
Today, two families have gathered here in this Church to witness a special moment in the lives of these two people: Robert and Nadia. Each one of us brings with us the story of our own lives, along with the many ways in which our lives have been intertwined with the lives of other individuals who are part of our families, our social groups, our work environments, and any number of other ways in which interactions have united us.
We live in a society that has seen many many changes. Some would say that the world around us is significantly different today than it was just one or two generations ago. There once was a time when weddings all happened in Churches, but today, people speak vows to one another in many different places and according to many different circumstances. There was a time, not so long ago, when those who were part of various faith traditions would never even dream of sitting side by side with those who didn't share their religious convictions. The dream of a day when all Christian communities will all be united again has still not become a reality, yet here in this place, in just a few moments’ time, we will witness the moment when Robert and Nadia will speak the words of their love to one another, when they will make themselves husband and wife. All of us are here because we have known them, watched them grow and mature, seen them fall in love with one another, and we want to pray together, that God will bless them, unite them and fill them with his joy.
The first reading we heard today is one of the creation stories contained in the Book of Genesis. According to this account, God created Man, and God realized that Man needed a helper as his partner. It took some time to find the right partner, but when the perfect partner was found, there was great joy: this at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh … Today is a day of great joy and celebration because Robert and Nadia have found one another; they truly believe that they are partners, soul mates. God has brought you together, and today we want to thank you for inviting us to be present to witness this wonderful celebration of your love.
You entered this church as two separate persons, but you will leave as one, united in the bond of matrimony. From this day forward, your friends and family, your colleagues and acquaintances will say: they are no longer two, but one. It’s quite understandable if either or both of you is nervous at this particular point, but do not be afraid. The life that is before you is filled with dreams and possibilities. Together you will face every day that comes, you will rely on one another for strength, understanding and support, and you can count on each of us who is here today to always be there when you need us. The truth of the matter is that if we were to tell you that every day of your lives is going to be happy, we’d be sorely mistaken, however every day will hold the promise of happiness, and you will be able to face every day simply by striving every day to love.
Without love, your words will be hollow, your gestures will be meaningless, but with love, you will learn every day to be patient, kind and humble, you will look out for other people’s happiness before your own, you will rejoice in truth and sincerity. With love in your hearts, you will be able to bear all things, hope at all times, and to endure every trial that you will face.
Wedding homily for Robert Perrotta and Nadia Brown
Today, two families have gathered here in this Church to witness a special moment in the lives of these two people: Robert and Nadia. Each one of us brings with us the story of our own lives, along with the many ways in which our lives have been intertwined with the lives of other individuals who are part of our families, our social groups, our work environments, and any number of other ways in which interactions have united us.
We live in a society that has seen many many changes. Some would say that the world around us is significantly different today than it was just one or two generations ago. There once was a time when weddings all happened in Churches, but today, people speak vows to one another in many different places and according to many different circumstances. There was a time, not so long ago, when those who were part of various faith traditions would never even dream of sitting side by side with those who didn't share their religious convictions. The dream of a day when all Christian communities will all be united again has still not become a reality, yet here in this place, in just a few moments’ time, we will witness the moment when Robert and Nadia will speak the words of their love to one another, when they will make themselves husband and wife. All of us are here because we have known them, watched them grow and mature, seen them fall in love with one another, and we want to pray together, that God will bless them, unite them and fill them with his joy.
The first reading we heard today is one of the creation stories contained in the Book of Genesis. According to this account, God created Man, and God realized that Man needed a helper as his partner. It took some time to find the right partner, but when the perfect partner was found, there was great joy: this at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh … Today is a day of great joy and celebration because Robert and Nadia have found one another; they truly believe that they are partners, soul mates. God has brought you together, and today we want to thank you for inviting us to be present to witness this wonderful celebration of your love.
You entered this church as two separate persons, but you will leave as one, united in the bond of matrimony. From this day forward, your friends and family, your colleagues and acquaintances will say: they are no longer two, but one. It’s quite understandable if either or both of you is nervous at this particular point, but do not be afraid. The life that is before you is filled with dreams and possibilities. Together you will face every day that comes, you will rely on one another for strength, understanding and support, and you can count on each of us who is here today to always be there when you need us. The truth of the matter is that if we were to tell you that every day of your lives is going to be happy, we’d be sorely mistaken, however every day will hold the promise of happiness, and you will be able to face every day simply by striving every day to love.
Without love, your words will be hollow, your gestures will be meaningless, but with love, you will learn every day to be patient, kind and humble, you will look out for other people’s happiness before your own, you will rejoice in truth and sincerity. With love in your hearts, you will be able to bear all things, hope at all times, and to endure every trial that you will face.
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