Food for Thought

The Homily

At Joe and Joyce's wedding, one part of the homily during the solemnisation ceremony by Reverend Chang struck a chord deep in my heart.

"... in this man's virtue and character, lies Joyce's happiness, in this woman's virtue and character, lies Joseph's happiness."

My happiness, therefore, is not dependent on his looks, size of his paycheck, or ability. It depends on his character and virtue. And it is incumbent upon, no, imperative that I choose wisely to begin with.

His character and virtue, will be the reasons why I will love, honor and cherish him, and why, again and again, I will look forward to coming home after a long, hard day.

I cannot imagine why, during those years of dryness, these words never rang with such conviction or truth, till now, when I'm much wiser, much more sobered up, and much more sure of myself.

The Vow
"... this I do solemnly vow."

I trembled when I heard what they've vowed to do. Marriage is a convenant, and I began to shake at the enormity and the seriousness of the vow that they have both just undertook. It's no joke when you have both made a contract with God and before men, who are witnesses both on heaven and on earth, of what you've promised to do for the rest of your life.

It was very good to be able to catch up with Neighbourhoodians - the older ones, the younger ones, all crowding round Joe to congratulate him. Mr & Mrs Yang, Mr & Mrs Yuen, Pastor & Mrs Aow and so many other folks were so excited and pleased. It was also good to catch up with Fabian and Gilbert - such long time friends that I've not seen for yonks.

As the sunlight poured through the stained glass window as both of them signed the marriage certificate, bathing their hair in light shafts of gold, my heart sang, as it is truly a culmination of the prayers of so many of us.

May the road ahead be one that both of you walk together, support one another, laugh and cheer one another, and love one another, through life's hills and valleys, with the help of our Lord. Amen.