Christ Episcopal Church
June 15, 2013
Rick Incorvati and Kent Brooks
Today we are gathered in this church to witness and bless the lifelong covenant of Rick and Kent. Today is important for Rick and Kent because today they become a new creation, as they make their public commitment to each other and receive the blessing of God and the Church. They have waited a long time for this day, 18 years, in fact, and many of you have waited with them. We gather to bless a lifelong covenant and a relationship based in the love that will lay down his life for the other, a relationship in which the joy of God dwells, and a relationship that has born much fruit as the love they have for each other cannot be contained and spills out into the world to make a difference in the lives of their family, friends, and community. Today Rick and Kent promise to love and honor each other, forsaking all others, for as long as they both shall live.
Today is also important for the rest of us, those who are gathered here, in this place, and the many people who could not be here, but wanted to be. Today is important for us because today we get to publically state that the love of God working through the two of you, together, has made an impact on our lives, that we have seen the fruit born of your relationship, and in your love for each other, we experience something of the love of God that will lay down his life for a friend. Today, we are not simply spectators, watching as you make this commitment to each other. We are participants. In a few minutes, you will hear us promise to uphold and honor you, respect the covenant you make this day, to pray with you in times of trouble and celebrate with you in times of joy. Hold us to those promises.
Today is important because today we all gather to honor Jesus’ command that we love one another as Jesus has loved us. When Jesus was nearing the end of his earthly life, Jesus had one command for his disciples. Jesus does not command them to agree with each other, or give them a list of beliefs they must hold to be his followers. Jesus tells them to love each other as he has loved them-with love that will lay down life for each other, that will express the joy of God, and that bears much fruit. By this love the world will know that they are Jesus’ disciples. The fulfillment of that command in their lifelong covenant is what we recognize in Kent and Rick as they come before the church today. Their commitment to that command in their lifelong covenant is what we promise to uphold and honor this day. On this day, Jesus says to Rick and Kent "Abide in my love."
Amen
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