Here is the reflection I shared with those who gathered earlier today to witness the wedding that was celebrated in our parish church.
Justin and Mariah have invited the members of their respective families and their friends to celebrate with them this weekend. The festivities began yesterday and will continue throughout the remainder of this day and then spill over into tomorrow. This is an occasion of great joy because they are standing side by side today to publicly profess their love for one another, and from this day onward they will stand side by side, joyfully bearing witness to the love that they share. This love is a gift from our God, so it is fitting that we have come to this place to thank our God for His gift of love, and to pray for guidance so that we might always use his gift of love in wise and wonderful ways.
God’s love has been made known to us throughout the history of our existence. On the day of our baptism, God makes each and every one of us his beloved child. From that day forward, he reveals to us, little by little, the many ways that he is always with us, helping us, guiding us and filling us with the joy of knowing that we are loved. The first reading that was chosen for this celebration is actually part of a love poem. At first glance, we often think that the Song of Songs describes a young lover, but in reality, it is speaking about God who is my beloved and your beloved: the one who loves us and who inspires us to love him in return.
It is God therefore who says to you today, Justin and Mariah, to me and to all of us: Set me like a seal on your heart, a permanent reminder of this day, of its joy, of the people who have gathered here to celebrate with you. In just a few moments, you will speak the words of your vows to one another and God will join you together as husband and wife in a bond that no human being can separate. Love is the bond that will join you together: a bond that you can rely on to give you strength when you feel challenged by the demands of the world around us, a bond which will bring you comfort and support when trials must be faced; a bond which will bring you the joy of knowing how to stand side by side with each other as husband and wife for the rest of your lives.
It is easy to love when times are good. It is easy to speak of love on days like today, but the scriptures also challenge us to love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action. Married life is a school of love. When two people truly love one another, it’s easy to spend hours and hours together: time seems to slip away almost unnoticed. When two people love each other, they learn that there are times in life when this love will be put to the test, but this is only so that we might come to understand how strong the bond of love can be. When love is tested, it often becomes stronger. This is why Saint John encourages us to always believe in the name of Jesus Christ, and to love one another just as God has commanded us to do.
Justin and Mariah, thank you for the witness of your love. Thank you for standing side by side today and sharing this witness with your family and your friends, with your colleagues and with everyone you meet. I pray that God’s love will always live in your hearts and fill you with a joy that will radiate for all to see. May the Lord bless you, and may Mary our mother protect you.
Homily for the Wedding
of Justin Viau and Mariah Rennedette
Justin and Mariah have invited the members of their respective families and their friends to celebrate with them this weekend. The festivities began yesterday and will continue throughout the remainder of this day and then spill over into tomorrow. This is an occasion of great joy because they are standing side by side today to publicly profess their love for one another, and from this day onward they will stand side by side, joyfully bearing witness to the love that they share. This love is a gift from our God, so it is fitting that we have come to this place to thank our God for His gift of love, and to pray for guidance so that we might always use his gift of love in wise and wonderful ways.
God’s love has been made known to us throughout the history of our existence. On the day of our baptism, God makes each and every one of us his beloved child. From that day forward, he reveals to us, little by little, the many ways that he is always with us, helping us, guiding us and filling us with the joy of knowing that we are loved. The first reading that was chosen for this celebration is actually part of a love poem. At first glance, we often think that the Song of Songs describes a young lover, but in reality, it is speaking about God who is my beloved and your beloved: the one who loves us and who inspires us to love him in return.
It is God therefore who says to you today, Justin and Mariah, to me and to all of us: Set me like a seal on your heart, a permanent reminder of this day, of its joy, of the people who have gathered here to celebrate with you. In just a few moments, you will speak the words of your vows to one another and God will join you together as husband and wife in a bond that no human being can separate. Love is the bond that will join you together: a bond that you can rely on to give you strength when you feel challenged by the demands of the world around us, a bond which will bring you comfort and support when trials must be faced; a bond which will bring you the joy of knowing how to stand side by side with each other as husband and wife for the rest of your lives.
It is easy to love when times are good. It is easy to speak of love on days like today, but the scriptures also challenge us to love, not only in word or speech, but in truth and action. Married life is a school of love. When two people truly love one another, it’s easy to spend hours and hours together: time seems to slip away almost unnoticed. When two people love each other, they learn that there are times in life when this love will be put to the test, but this is only so that we might come to understand how strong the bond of love can be. When love is tested, it often becomes stronger. This is why Saint John encourages us to always believe in the name of Jesus Christ, and to love one another just as God has commanded us to do.
Justin and Mariah, thank you for the witness of your love. Thank you for standing side by side today and sharing this witness with your family and your friends, with your colleagues and with everyone you meet. I pray that God’s love will always live in your hearts and fill you with a joy that will radiate for all to see. May the Lord bless you, and may Mary our mother protect you.
No comments:
Post a Comment