With mid-August slowly creeping up on us, people everywhere are getting ready for September. Back to school, back to work, back to campus...new clothes, new office supplies, new apartments for the semester...whether you are sad to see summer go or not, September inevitably has a certain buzz of excitement that is simply unavoidable. Normally, I would be mentally preparing myself for the opening of our fall exhibitions and the chaos that soon follows but this year, I have a whole different kind of excitement to look forward to; on September 1st...Heather and Roberta, two of my favourite people in the whole world, are getting married!!!
All weddings are exciting and wonderful but, every now and then, certain marriages stand out as particularly note worthy because of the amazing people involved. Heather and Roberta will have been together for twelve years this November and finally, with a view of the lake in the background, they will stand before God and commit their lives to each other...and then we will party and celebrate the union of one of the greatest relationships I know!!
This wedding means a great deal to me for a number of reasons. Not only do I love both Heather and Roberta to pieces but, certain people stand out in our lives with a distinct bravery and intergrity that is rare in this day and age. These people overcome challenges and judgement that you one day hope is instinct but, until it is, we need these people to remind us what the true meaning of conviction really is...to stand tall in defense of your principles and to be proud to do so. Heather and Roberta are all of this and so much more, and no one deserves this celebration more than they do.
They are entering into this marriage in a time when same-sex unions are a very hot topic in our society, in large part because of its current legal status in our province. Both of them have been raised in very strong Christian families and they happen to live in the "Bible Belt" of Ontario. Neither of them has abandoned their faith in any way and as you can guess, this wedding hasn't happened without some controversy and debate.
While I don't share their views, I can certainly understand how some people would have issues or concerns with the topic of same-sex marriage. Given that it's now something very near and dear to many of our hearts, I think it's important that as a family, as a community and as a society, we begin to discuss these issues in a way that further our experience and broaden our understanding. As so many of us approach this wedding, we are coming from different backgrounds and histories that enable us to see it through very different lenses, all of which should be respected in their own right. Though I do spend a great deal of effort trying to be altruistic in matters such as these, I'll admit that it's very difficult to watch two people that I love so much have to defend their actions when their intentions are so pure in nature.
I would consider myself to be a very educated person, not just institutionally but, through experience I have come to ensure that I don't become ignorant to the world around me. When issues of debate have arisen, I have inquired into other people's opinions, spoken indepth to those on opposite ends of the spectrum and I consistently try to hear both sides with an open mind. Being so close to this particular situation though, I have struggled at keeping a neutral ground. Only just recently, given that I have such a personal attachment to those involved, do I no longer deem it necessary to be neutral...because thanks to what Heather and Bert have so eloquently taught me...now is my time to stand tall in defence in what I think is right!! Diplomacy has its place...but matters of the heart require responses from the heart.
One of the most common arguments that has come up over the past couple of months has been regarding the Bible's teachings. As a Catholic, my religion does not support same-sex marriage in any way however, as a Catholic, my religion, albeit the most suitable religion for my beliefs, is also just an outlet for my faith...a faith that existed long before I became affiliated with any church. I respect a church's decision whether or not to marry same-sex couples and I certainly don't think that they should have to be forced to do so by any government but, this is a perfect example of how faith and religion are not the same thing and shouldn't be treated the same way. Now, please do not start sending me hate mail for this next statement but...while I do take the Bible very seriously, I do not take the Bible literally. If I did, I would find myself sacrificing sheep on a weekly basis and suffering an eternal penalty for the sin of paying interest on our house. While I understand that the New Testament trumps the Old Testament with the new covenant, the basic teachings in both are the same; as Christians, we have a higher responsibility to love and support one another. We are expected, by God, to be an example of the same grace and humility that was given to us.
What I struggle with a great deal is the fact that in an imperfect world, made up of imperfect people, we often take it upon ourselves to decide which sins are forgivable. While it seems easy to judge a same-sex couple for their decision to get married because it violates Biblical teachings, it seems equally easy to forgive ourselves for the pride, envy, jealousy and greed that we experience everyday, although, that too goes against Biblical teachings. Though many argue that the Bible is clear regarding its views on marriage, the Bible is also very clear that we are commanded by God to love and accept one another as they are. The Bible is VERY clear that we are to leave the judgement up to Him.
Like everyone else, Heather and Roberta were created in God's image. They will stand before God and commit to a lifetime together...a gift that is bestowed on those of us who are willing to trust in the blind faith of love. In the Catholic church, it is believed that God only gives us enough intimacy to fully put into one other person and that intimacy is what connects us to another for life...makes us one...because only that one other person will ever fully see what God sees in us. Regardless of Biblical interpretation, there is no arguing that the Trinity is love. While thousands of years have been spent studying and translating the Bible, the human condition of loving someone is not useable for academic, religious or political agendas, because there simply is no measuring its depths...and there in lies the miracle of being God's greatest creation. Like faith, you go into love blindly...you leap off the cliff and hope for dear life that divine intervention will land you softly on your feet or that, at the very least, your parachute works!! Given the universe's inability to contain it, I find it hard to believe that any words on paper could even attempt to define the limits of its experience.
Saint Augustine of Hippo, like all other saints, experienced an especially unique relationship with God and a very divine life. Considered to be one of the most important teachers of salvation and grace, he once said that "Hope has two beautiful daughters; Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are and Courage to change them". I think of this quote when I reflect on Heather and Roberta's upcoming wedding because during the days leading up to it, I sometimes feel anger towards a set of beliefs that, although is intended to bring us together, is ultimately becoming a barrier to sharing in each other's lives. Amongst the anger though, is great courage; courage as we stand together in three weeks time to celebrate a love and commitment truly worth knowing. We will celebrate the union of two of God's children and we will most certainly do so in God's presence. With that comes hope...hope that one day, we will live in a world that is accepting of all people who share the desire to love one another, because as Saint Augustine also said...
"Love, and do what thou wilt: whether thou hold thy peace, through love hold thy peace; whether thou cry out, through love cry out; whether thou correct; through love correct; whether thou spare, through love do thou spare: let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good."
All weddings are exciting and wonderful but, every now and then, certain marriages stand out as particularly note worthy because of the amazing people involved. Heather and Roberta will have been together for twelve years this November and finally, with a view of the lake in the background, they will stand before God and commit their lives to each other...and then we will party and celebrate the union of one of the greatest relationships I know!!
This wedding means a great deal to me for a number of reasons. Not only do I love both Heather and Roberta to pieces but, certain people stand out in our lives with a distinct bravery and intergrity that is rare in this day and age. These people overcome challenges and judgement that you one day hope is instinct but, until it is, we need these people to remind us what the true meaning of conviction really is...to stand tall in defense of your principles and to be proud to do so. Heather and Roberta are all of this and so much more, and no one deserves this celebration more than they do.
They are entering into this marriage in a time when same-sex unions are a very hot topic in our society, in large part because of its current legal status in our province. Both of them have been raised in very strong Christian families and they happen to live in the "Bible Belt" of Ontario. Neither of them has abandoned their faith in any way and as you can guess, this wedding hasn't happened without some controversy and debate.
While I don't share their views, I can certainly understand how some people would have issues or concerns with the topic of same-sex marriage. Given that it's now something very near and dear to many of our hearts, I think it's important that as a family, as a community and as a society, we begin to discuss these issues in a way that further our experience and broaden our understanding. As so many of us approach this wedding, we are coming from different backgrounds and histories that enable us to see it through very different lenses, all of which should be respected in their own right. Though I do spend a great deal of effort trying to be altruistic in matters such as these, I'll admit that it's very difficult to watch two people that I love so much have to defend their actions when their intentions are so pure in nature.
I would consider myself to be a very educated person, not just institutionally but, through experience I have come to ensure that I don't become ignorant to the world around me. When issues of debate have arisen, I have inquired into other people's opinions, spoken indepth to those on opposite ends of the spectrum and I consistently try to hear both sides with an open mind. Being so close to this particular situation though, I have struggled at keeping a neutral ground. Only just recently, given that I have such a personal attachment to those involved, do I no longer deem it necessary to be neutral...because thanks to what Heather and Bert have so eloquently taught me...now is my time to stand tall in defence in what I think is right!! Diplomacy has its place...but matters of the heart require responses from the heart.
One of the most common arguments that has come up over the past couple of months has been regarding the Bible's teachings. As a Catholic, my religion does not support same-sex marriage in any way however, as a Catholic, my religion, albeit the most suitable religion for my beliefs, is also just an outlet for my faith...a faith that existed long before I became affiliated with any church. I respect a church's decision whether or not to marry same-sex couples and I certainly don't think that they should have to be forced to do so by any government but, this is a perfect example of how faith and religion are not the same thing and shouldn't be treated the same way. Now, please do not start sending me hate mail for this next statement but...while I do take the Bible very seriously, I do not take the Bible literally. If I did, I would find myself sacrificing sheep on a weekly basis and suffering an eternal penalty for the sin of paying interest on our house. While I understand that the New Testament trumps the Old Testament with the new covenant, the basic teachings in both are the same; as Christians, we have a higher responsibility to love and support one another. We are expected, by God, to be an example of the same grace and humility that was given to us.
What I struggle with a great deal is the fact that in an imperfect world, made up of imperfect people, we often take it upon ourselves to decide which sins are forgivable. While it seems easy to judge a same-sex couple for their decision to get married because it violates Biblical teachings, it seems equally easy to forgive ourselves for the pride, envy, jealousy and greed that we experience everyday, although, that too goes against Biblical teachings. Though many argue that the Bible is clear regarding its views on marriage, the Bible is also very clear that we are commanded by God to love and accept one another as they are. The Bible is VERY clear that we are to leave the judgement up to Him.
Like everyone else, Heather and Roberta were created in God's image. They will stand before God and commit to a lifetime together...a gift that is bestowed on those of us who are willing to trust in the blind faith of love. In the Catholic church, it is believed that God only gives us enough intimacy to fully put into one other person and that intimacy is what connects us to another for life...makes us one...because only that one other person will ever fully see what God sees in us. Regardless of Biblical interpretation, there is no arguing that the Trinity is love. While thousands of years have been spent studying and translating the Bible, the human condition of loving someone is not useable for academic, religious or political agendas, because there simply is no measuring its depths...and there in lies the miracle of being God's greatest creation. Like faith, you go into love blindly...you leap off the cliff and hope for dear life that divine intervention will land you softly on your feet or that, at the very least, your parachute works!! Given the universe's inability to contain it, I find it hard to believe that any words on paper could even attempt to define the limits of its experience.
Saint Augustine of Hippo, like all other saints, experienced an especially unique relationship with God and a very divine life. Considered to be one of the most important teachers of salvation and grace, he once said that "Hope has two beautiful daughters; Anger and Courage. Anger at the way things are and Courage to change them". I think of this quote when I reflect on Heather and Roberta's upcoming wedding because during the days leading up to it, I sometimes feel anger towards a set of beliefs that, although is intended to bring us together, is ultimately becoming a barrier to sharing in each other's lives. Amongst the anger though, is great courage; courage as we stand together in three weeks time to celebrate a love and commitment truly worth knowing. We will celebrate the union of two of God's children and we will most certainly do so in God's presence. With that comes hope...hope that one day, we will live in a world that is accepting of all people who share the desire to love one another, because as Saint Augustine also said...
"Love, and do what thou wilt: whether thou hold thy peace, through love hold thy peace; whether thou cry out, through love cry out; whether thou correct; through love correct; whether thou spare, through love do thou spare: let the root of love be within, of this root can nothing spring but what is good."
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