What a perfect day for a wedding. Glorious sunshine, crowded streets, bunting and celebrationalong with a world-wide audience of billions who wished well to Prince Harry and his lovelybride Meghan Markle as they made their wedding vows in the sacred cloisters of St. George’s chapel in Windsor. The day went without a hitch andwith a senseof occasion that in the UK is always done with such precision and pageantry.Our own Huw Edwards, as always,the seasoned professional and his presentation and commentary skillsmade the day even more special for all of us watching on TV – Thanks Huw!
The bride’s arrival at the chapel to a fanfare stunned a young page boy into a joyous smile – a fitting prelude for the whole service dispelling the stiff formality we have come to expecton royal occasions. And what a sermon! “Two young people fell in love and we all turned up” said Rev Michael Currie Bishop of the American Episcopal church. His six-minute slot more than doubled as he allowed himself time to bring God’s word with power and conviction. It was sorefreshing and introduced a much-neededemphasis on the power of preaching that may have become lost in our day.In a week where in his own country another school massacre had taken the lives of ten students and injured many others andnews of the death of 60 in the Palestinian/Israeli conflict had put paid to any hope of a peace plan he pleaded for the power of love to be the means of change.His words were hopefully prophetic – ‘Imagine’ he said ‘governments and nations where love is the way, unselfish, sacrificial, redemptive’ His warmth towards the young couple as he blessed them with words of affection and tenderness brought his message to its close and we all said ‘Amen’
Bishop Currie also quoted the words of an old Spiritual about a balm in Gilead that makes the wounded whole. This balm is the healing power of God’s love that brings forgiveness, heals divides and bring people of all faiths andnone to the heartof the Gospel which has everything to do with love. Jesus said ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart,soul and mind and love your neighbour as you love yourself’ – the way of love, the best way of all! Congratulations Harry and Meghan and to all young couples married last weekend – may your days be long and full of love!
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