Ed. Note: This was a homily from one of Fr Mon’s wedding masses earlier in the year. As Covid taught everyone to assess what really matters in life, we have included these valuable words for all to reflect on.

Today is the 3^rd anniversary of the start of the Covid lockdown. We look back and it has been very difficult: The many people we said goodbye to, the mental health brought about the uncertainty and fear of the unknown, and the loss of jobs and business. On the other hand, as in any crisis, there are also silver linings, there are also graces, and there are also blessings. For one, we realize what is important and what is passing in life. Many of us went back to God with the masses and the rosaries and yes, there were still people who fell in love. Love as usual. 

That is why we are here in this church to witness the marriage of Lorenz and Lilibeth. What started as Facebook friends and batchmates in the 2018 bar exams suddenly became more than that when at the height of the pandemic, they met personally at the Gateway Mass in 2020.

Lorenz and Lilibeth, three bilins.

1. Put God in the center of your lives. Later you will promise for better or for worse, in sickness and health, in good times and in difficult times – fidelity.
   • The family that prays together stays together
     
2. We pray that you may bear children and they will bring you happiness and joy. When you form them, when you teach them, you will be repeating the words, the sermons, and the teachings of your parents.
   • Dad was right after all, Mom was right after all
   • Honor thy father and mother
     
3. Be a blessing. Covid taught us life is short and swift and when we say goodbye to this world, whether rich or simple, we bring nothing to the next life. In the meantime, continue to be a blessing – stand up for what is right, true, and good. If you look at today’s world, we are such a confused generation. We do not know what is right and what is wrong. Even if we do, the wrong is made right and vice versa. In the meantime, continue to be a blessing in our own circle of influence.

I asked Lilibeth how she knew Lorenz was the one. Again, another blessing amidst a crisis moment. There was a time that they broke it off for a month. As the saying goes, “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.” He travelled from Manila to Baguio even when there was a spike to covid cases, in order to reconcile. How can you say no or refuse someone who will do everything and anything for you? 

Hence let me leave with you this quote: “Your marriage will never be defined by the size of struggles but by the size of your commitment to overcome those struggles”.

This can only happen when you face life together putting God in the center of your lives, honoring your father and mother, and being a blessing to others.