I awoke this morning to a text from my sister – “I love her dress!!!!!” Like many women, I ran down the stairs to catch a quick glimpse of the soon-to-be princess as she stood in Westminster Abbey next to her prince. I must say, I completely agree with my sister. I too, love her dress! It was quite refreshing to see feminine beauty expressed in such an eloquent and sophisticated style. For a brief moment I thought, maybe Kate’s choice in dress will be a trend setter and bring modesty back into bridal fashion.
Then suddenly, my attention was turned to the Bishop of London. He started his sermon with these words, “Be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire.” I couldn’t believe it! Today the Church celebrates the feast of St. Catherine of Siena and as millions watched to see the dress, the first balcony kiss, the complete “fairytale wedding” they would also have the opportunity to hear the words from one of our great saints. In some sense, these words which are echoed through time, give meaning today to sacred nature of the marital bond.
God created us out of love as a means to reflect His love. And marriage, as authored by God, is one of the ways we can express that love. For it is in the sacrificial love shared between husband and wife, that man and woman become what God desired them to be – a reflection of His love! When we allow our lives to reflect His goodness, His truth, His love, we reach one conclusion. We set the world on fire. Saint Catherine of Siena, pray for us!