I wasn't planning to watch the Royal Wedding footage today (not that I wasn't looking forward to seeing Kate's dress...I knew there would be plenty of photos). But, I am so glad we (Grandma, Mom, me and the girls) did. It was so beautiful and in fact, inspiring. I loved the ceremony, it was so centered on beauty and truth. I was especially moved by the Bishop of London’s Address/Sermon. When I heard it, I immediately thought that everyone should have an opportunity to hear/read and meditate on it’s words. I have put my favorite excerpts below. Some of the best marital advice I've heard. You can read the whole transcript here. Enjoy!
"Many are full of fear for the future of the prospects of our world but the message of the celebrations in this country and far beyond its shores is the right one - this is a joyful day! It is good that people in every continent are able to share in these celebrations because this is, as every wedding day should be, a day of hope."
"In a sense every wedding is a royal wedding with the bride and the groom as king and queen of creation, making a new life together so that life can flow through them into the future."
"As the reality of God has faded from so many lives in the West, there has been a corresponding inflation of expectations that personal relations alone will supply meaning and happiness in life. This is to load our partner with too great a burden. We are all incomplete: we all need the love which is secure, rather than oppressive, we need mutual forgiveness, to thrive."
"As we move toward our partner in love, following the example of Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit is quickened within us and can increasingly fill our lives with light. This leads to a family life which offers the best conditions in which the next generation can practice and exchange those gifts which can overcome fear and division and incubate the coming world of the Spirit, whose fruits are love and joy and peace."
Good stuff. What are your thoughts...did you watch?
