Renewal of Vows, Rick & Mary Ann Weise

Anniversary of a Marriage
Rick and Mary Ann Weise
August 30, 2025
Tobit 8:5b-8
Psalm 67
John 15:9-12

In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Amen.

I love how that first reading from Tobit ended today.  Grant that we may find mercy and grow old together.  Growing old with someone we love is the best blessing imaginable.  Someone who truly knows you.  Who loves you . . . despite the fact that they truly know you!  There are people in our lives who truly know us, and there are people in our lives who truly love us.  But it is rare to find someone who can do both.

In today’s gospel reading, Jesus says that we will abide in his love if we keep his commandments.  That sounds a little scary and challenging, doesn't it?  How can we possibly keep all of his commandments?  I mean, we regularly confess that we cannot and have not kept his commandments.  But then we see the specific commandment Jesus is giving.  

He says, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”  That’s it.  That’s the commandment.  To love one another as Jesus loves us.  Which raises the question, how does Jesus love us?  What does that love look like?

I’ll give you a hint:  It is unconditional.  It continues for better or for worse.  Whether we are rich or poor.  Jesus loves us in sickness and in health.  And his love lasts as long as we shall live.  Sounds familiar doesn't it?  It’s the same kind of love that leads us to make marriage vows, and to hope for mercy, and to grow old together.

Rick and Mary Ann have spent most of their lives together, and they are still together.  Still loving one another, and still getting to know one another.  In short they have indeed found mercy while growing old together.  And it is an honor and a joy to celebrate with them in the same room where it all started.  To watch them renew their commitment at the same Altar, and promise once more to grow together in love, fidelity, and care for one another.  To follow the commandment of Jesus, and love one another, as Jesus loves us.

Amen