Kara & Gene's Wedding
Fr. Richard O'Leary, Pastor of St. Thomas of Villanova Church, was the celebrant of the nuptial Mass that united Kara and Gene on December 3, 2005. In his homily Fr. O'Leary complimented Gene and Kara on their readings selections for their wedding. Here I would like to describe why I, also, believe that these particular readings were well chosen.
The first reading from the book of Tobit was read by Andrew Dougherty, Kara's brother.
Tobit and a distant relative, Sarah, had both suffered great tragedy. They had never met and knew nothing of each other's great sorrow. Both had prayed to God for death.
Coincidentally Tobit sent his son Tobiah on an important errand to the distant city which was the home of Sarah and her family. Tobiah and Sarah met and fell in love. They wanted to marry. Their marriage would be highly desireable as measured by Hebrew family custom and tradition. However, Tobiah faced possible death and Sarah further terrible sorrow if they did marry.
Tobiah and Sarah placed their faith in the Lord and went ahead with their marriage. Their faith was answered with God's deliverance from tragedy and sorrow. They lived to see a happy old age together. Their first prayer as a married couple is contained in this reading.
The second reading was Romans 12: 1-2, 9-13 read by Sylvia Troxell, Gene's sister.
Paul's Letter to The Romans is the most systematic unfolding of his thoughts expounding the gospel of God's righteousness that saves all who believe. Chapter 12 deals with the duties of Christians and seems particularly applicable to married life.
After nearly 50 years together Jeanne I can strongly recommend Paul's advice for living a successful and happy married life.
"Blessed are you, O God of our fathers; praised be your name forever and ever. Let the heavens and all your creation praise you forever.
You made Adam and you gave him his wife Eve to be his help and support; and from these two the human race descended.
You said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone; let us make him a partner like himself.'
Now, Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose.
Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age."
They said together, "Amen, amen,"
I urge you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship. Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.
Let love be sincere; hate what is evil, hold on to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; anticipate one another in showing honor. Do not grow slack in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, endure in affliction, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the holy ones, exercise hospitality.