Erwin and Lalaine's Wedding 2-8-2018

My dear friends, the opening statement in the decision made in the case of People of the Philippines vs. Ruben Takbobo, GR No. 102984, June 30, 1993, is worth mentioning to any couple who wishes to get married. It stated, and I quote, “The nuptial vows which solemnly intone the matrimonial promise of love for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, till death do us part,’ are sometimes easier said than done, for many a marital union figuratively ends on the reefs of matrimonial shoals.”

Erwin and Lalaine, let this statement makes you aware that a meaningful married life is built on true love. True love is not just a word but an action word. With true love, man and woman do not just make promises rather they do fulfil what they have promised to each other.

Erwin and Lalaine, you know this from your experience. When Erwin asked you Lalaine if you have any boyfriend, you said no despite that you had many suitors. Lalaine, you even tried to discourage Erwin by advising him not to court you. But Erwin was determined and persistent. He sent you flowers by surprise. He befriended your family especially your parents. He cooked the food you loved most. All these are acts of love though he never said a single word that he loves you. Truly, actions speak louder than words when the time came for you Lalaine to decide whether to accept Erwin’s love or not. Though you had not given him any clue, you said it best when you told him to stop courting you. Erwin felt nervous when he heard this from you. He only felt relieved when you told him to stop courting you because you already accepted him as your boyfriend for you love him too.

Now, here you are in this church. Both of you know that the period for courtship has ended. The engagement period has also ended. But your love story does not end during those periods. This is why we are here on your wedding day to witness your public declaration of love. Your wedding marks the beginning of another period in your love story. This time however, your love for each other is measured to a great extent if indeed it is true love. True love is not just a word but an action word. As an action word, the love you have shown to each other from the time you, Erwin started courting Lalaine until you Lalaine accepted the marriage proposal of Erwin must not deteriorate. It is true love if you love each other until death. It is true love if you will never think of divorce or separation because you believe that in marriage your love unites you. It is true love when you say your wedding vows seriously and you mean every word you say. It is true love if you hold the belief that your marriage is willed by God. If you believe that both of you is a gift from God for each other, then no one can stand against your love. In Acts of the Apostles 5:39, it is said, “But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop these men; you will only find yourselves fighting against God.”

Erwin and Lalaine, you have a beautiful love story. After this wedding, it is up to you with the grace of God how you continue to tell the beauty of your love story. Hopefully, we who are here today can listen again to both of you if the love you have expressed today before God will be the same love you will have in your old age. Erwin and Lalaine, you choose each other among the millions, may you love each other until death. Amen.