May 8th 2011- Royal Wedding

Westminster Abbey

As you read this, the Royal Wedding will be starting to fade into memory. However, as I write, it is still very recent and alive in my mind and I think there are a number of illustrations which will shed light on our understanding as we grow in faith.

The New Testament gives us a picture of the very early church as a group of people who needed to be together in joy and in sorrow. (Acts 1: 13-14 and Acts 2 V. 1) Crowds of people came together for the Royal Wedding – most hoping for a glimpse of the couple. Many had no hope of that but experienced the joy of being part of the celebration by getting together in their communities and homes. By coming together as Christians, we more fully experience Jesus Christ in our lives. Of course, there are times when we need as the hymn says. “Come to the garden alone” with him. We will more frequently find him as we join in the company of brothers and sisters in Christ.

There are many who profess contempt for so called organized or institutionalized churches. It is the human part of the churches or denominations which is most often misunderstood or misdirected. We need to come together and reach out to each other in the love of Christ so that seekers find him in us.

Among God’s gifts to us is the wonder of sight and sound. As we entered the abbey (by means of TV) we were uplifted by the beauty of the place and the sound of the music. Did we worship him and thank him for these gifts? They are given to us that we may come closer to him in worship. Of course the bride was beautiful beyond expectations. Did we and do we continue to pray for her and her husband? The one bridesmaid was not just a lovely young woman, beautifully dressed but she was also an example of service, quietly going about her duties, straightening the bride’s train, relieving her of her bouquet and above all gently leading the small attendants by hand giving them guidance and confidence.

The homily, given by the Bishop of London contained a message which was given at a former Royal Wedding, that of Prince William’s parents. The Bishop said, “Every bride and groom is a king and queen for a day.” They need on that day to show concern for the comfort and well being of their family and guests. A number of times, I have trembled for the future of a bride on hearing her say, “This is my day, I can have what I want.” A true ruler is one who lives to serve, not to be served. Let us go through life as true Royals, observing the needs of others and living to help them. Let us pray constantly for those around us, those far away, those we love and those who are hard to love. Let us go forward in the face of our risen Lord