of Elise Pontious and Alex Foran
May 20, 2017
Tobit 8: 4-8
Ps 145: 8-10, 15, 17-18
Heb 13: 1-6
Matt 7: 21, 24-29
Holy Cross, Champaign, Ill.
“The
Lord is close to all who call him, who call on him in truth” (Ps 145: 18).
Elise
and Alex, you’ve been diligent in calling upon the Lord. That’s probably a habit, a virtue, that
you’ve practiced for as long as you can remember, something you probably
learned from your dear parents Melissa and Bill (RIP), Tim and Lisa. The Church always considers parents the 1st
and best educators of their children.
Moms
and dads are usually proud beyond measure of their kids, especially on
occasions like weddings. Grandparents
also deserve some recognition for the priceless roles they play in loving and
guiding not just their own children but also the grandchildren. You, Elise and Alex, give added reason for
parental pride and joy today because you’re beginning your life together by
calling upon the Lord. You recognize the
truth that he is the source of our deepest happiness, that the greatest
yearnings of our hearts only he can
satisfy, that your ultimate goal isn’t a fine home, a comfortable lifestyle, a
bunch of talented kids, even a long and healthy life—but eternal life with the
One who created all of us to be happy and healthy forever in his home as part
of his family. The only “happily ever
after” is the one with God, the Father to whom our Lord Jesus leads us with his
sound teachings, the words and example on which you’re pledging to build your
life together (Matt 7: 24-28). Jesus is the
sure foundation for contentment and happiness even in this life.
The Wedding at Cana
St. Ursula's Church, Mt. Vernon, N.Y.
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But
you’re here to call on the Lord, to celebrate the sacrament that makes our Lord
Jesus a partner in your marriage and your family life. You’re committing yourselves to be Jesus for each other: Alex, to love, cherish, protect, and help
Elise become the saint that God created her to be, as Jesus saved her to be;
Elise, to love, cherish, protect, and help Alex become the saint that God
created him to be, as Jesus saved him to be.
“The
Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid” was the last verse from your NT reading
(Heb 13:6). The Lord whom you invoke
will indeed be with you and help you. At
times you’ll each stand in for the Lord.
Each of you will be the Lord’s agent in regard to your partner by the
power of this sacrament. Be Jesus in your love for your partner.
All of
us who witness your commitment to each other and to God join with you, in the
words of Tobiah and Sarah, in “calling down [God’s] mercy on” you, that you may
live together happily to an old age (Tob 8:8); and going further, that you may
live together with our Lord Jesus into eternal happiness.
May God
bless you superabundantly all your days!
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