The millions around the world who will be watching the royal wedding tomorrow may not notice the wording of the promises Kate Middleton and Prince William make to each other. As with every other couple, each will be asked first if they will “love, comfort, honour and protect”¦” their spouse. The answer to this is “I will”. It will not be “I do”. We take it for granted that the bride and groom love each other on their wedding day, so there is no need to ask them if they do. It is what follows that counts.
At the outset, the couple is asked to make a commitment, an act of will, for the future. Theirs is a resolution to love, comfort, honour and protect, whatever the circumstances. Someone joked that love is blind, but marriage is a real eye-opener. There are bound to be times in the future when the romance thermometer will barely register a reading; those who have said “I will” and meant it, know only too well that feelings can wobble and are untrustworthy tests of authenticity, anyway. Long-lasting marriages rely on mutual understanding and forbearance. Maturity discards rose-tinted spectacles in favour of seeing things as they really are.
Discovering the depth and enduring meaning of love is the goal and prize of every relationship.
The ABY can officiate and give the homily at my wedding anytime. Bravo, Your Grace!! 🙂
Excellent. A good talk to give all couples in their premarital counselling sessions.