Homily for a Wedding

Good afternoon.

Every wedding is different.
Every wedding is the same.

While preparing the homily for the wedding, while trying to write down some ideas and points to share and reflect upon, I suddenly stopped myself and realized, kasing edad ko etong si Ryan and Mapoy. Kung hindi ako naging pari, ikinasal na din siguro ako, kung may gusto magpakasal… Seriously, I suddenly stopped myself for I realized, being of the same generation, having attended and even officiated in weddings of classmates and friends, I have often heard comments by people of the older generation – iba na talaga pag kasal ngayon. Ibang paraan ng paghahanda, pag iimbita, paggastos. Weddings today are different from the previous generations. Every wedding event today strives to be different from all other weddings also – from the invitation, to the attire, to the reception, everything… Couples desire to have a different kind of wedding, not just some run of the mill wedding because they want their wedding to be unique, special, one of a kind. Because for them, their partner is unique, special, one of a kind. That is why, all weddings, all real weddings, are the same – two hearts beating as one, desiring nothing but the best for their partner.

Another reason why I stopped myself from writing down some reflections was that, being of the same generation as Ryan and Mapoy, I realized love events, love stories, between couples are often accompanied by soundtracks, by songs, meant to capture the mood, the feeling, and the love felt. I asked what are the favorite songs of the couple. Kanta ni Ryan kay Mapoy- When I Met you. Kanta ni Mapoy kay Ryan – More Today than Yesterday. Theme song nila – Looking Through the Eyes of Love. Siguro nagtaka sila kung bakit nagtanong ako tungkol sa kanta nila, parang gusto kong biruin - kakantahan ko sila during the homily… When a couple gets married, they want, among other things, to solidify their relationship, to deepen their commitment, to express their love for each other, forever, and they will need anchor points to remind them of their vow when things get shaky and stormy – anchor points like faith, family and friends. A good song is a good anchor point – a good way of reminding yourself of how unique and special someone is in your life.
Ryan, wag magsawa kantahin kay Mapoy ang iyong awitin –
“You gave me a reason for my being... You gave me a meaning to my life, Yes, I've gone beyond existing, And it all began when I met you.”
Mapoy, palaging awitan si Ryan –
“Every days a new day in love with you
With each day comes a new way of loving you.”
Palaging awitin sa isat isa –
“And now I do believe, 
That even in a storm, we'll find some light; 
Knowin' you're beside me, And I want to remember 
How it feels to touch you; 
How I feel so much, 
Since I've found you 
Lookin' through the eyes of love.”
Every wedding is different, because the songs are different, having been chosen because they are memorable, because they describe your unique relationship.
Every wedding is the same, for there will always be beautiful music to accompany you in the wedding aisle. We hope and pray that there will always be beautiful music to accompany you in your journey in life, that your life will be a song, a song to inspire others on how to love deeply and eternally.

We have different concepts and experiences about love.
At times we say: Love is a feeling.
Most of the time we declare: Love is a decision.
All of the time, we proclaim: Love is a gift.
A wedding is a gift to each other, not just between Ryan and Mapoy but most of all between God, Ryan and Mapoy. It is a gift, a promise, a covenant made not just by the two of you but most of all by God who promised that He will be with you, all the days of your married life, for better or for worse.
Every wedding is different – the various emotions felt, how the decision to commit was made, how the gift of love was offered varies in every wedding, in every couple.
Every wedding is the same, for the love given and shared, and the presence and promise of God remains the same.

Ryan and Mapoy, may your married life be different from all others – as each of you and your way of loving is different, unique and special. May your married life be the same as all others – may the total giving of self in love be always there. Forever.

Congratulations.