I Do

Last Saturday, I had the honor of performing my first wedding ceremony. The cop story is that it was for a police sergeant (Marty) and his wife (Maribel). The journey to the altar began when Marty told me a few months ago that the person they wanted to officiate their ceremony was not available. I told Marty that I would be happy to perform the wedding. Marty and Maribel thought it would be a great idea. A few weeks ago, I took the oath to be a Deputy Commissioner for one day and one purpose. What follows are the words I shared with the couple. It was a blessing to be part of such a wonderful event. It is also amazing to me how God brings us to moments when we can testify of His love for us and how it is reflected in our lives. All the best to Marty and Maribel!!!

______________________________

The Song of Songs is an Old Testament book that is a poem about the love between a man and a woman: He says, “How beautiful you are my darling! Oh how beautiful! Your eyes are like doves.” She says, “How handsome you are my beloved! Oh how charming!” and later it reads, “My beloved spoke and said to me, ‘Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, come with me. See! The winter is past and the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth and the season of singing has come.’”

In the Book of John, Jesus performed his first miracle when he was at a wedding where he turned water to wine. It is significant that Jesus’ first miracle was at a wedding. The Bible says that the marriage of a man and a woman is a reflection of the relationship between Jesus Christ and the Church. Jesus died on the cross to reconcile God and man. Likewise, the vows you have taken signify that you are dying to yourselves to join together as one. Together, you are complete as a husband and wife. Your marriage is a testimony to the world of a love that surpasses all understanding.

Your foundation is love. It is not a feeling, it is a commitment. The miracle that Jesus performed at the wedding 2,000 years ago signified a new beginning. The same is true for you. Life as you know it, is changed. You are both called to serve one another selflessly. The definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 13:1-8

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails."

My charge to you is to love one another unconditionally. It does not matter how right or wrong, rational or irrational, if it makes sense or not. As husband and wife, you are called to stand by each other forever. 

Love is forgiveness. How many times do you have to forgive? Jesus was asked that question. Peter guessed seven times. Jesus told him 70 times 7. Forgiveness is exponential, forgiveness is infinite.

Love is faith. Have faith in God to lead you and have faith in each other. Your call is to walk together as husband and wife, to hold each other up in times of adversity and to celebrate together in times of triumph.

You will face storms during your marriage. If you have faith, you will stand firm through the tough times. Jesus and the disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee when a terrible storm began. The disciples panicked thinking they were going to drown. They turned to Jesus who, with a word, calmed the storm. Remember that the Holy Spirit dwells with you and even in times that you feel alone, God is with you. Your faith in Him and your faith in each other will see you through.

God gave to Adam the gift of Eve because it was not good for man to be alone. It is in the second chapter of Genesis that God calls the Man to leave his mother and father, unite with his wife and they became one flesh. In a moment, you will exchange rings. You will be joined together as one. Celebrate your new life. Have fun. Laugh. And grow old together. 

______________________________

The funny part of this story is that the word got around at the police department that I performed the wedding. On Monday, I was returning from lunch and a police officer said to me "Good Afternoon, Reverend! I was waiting all day to say that to you!"