03-29-25

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
March 29, 2025
On occasion, Paula or I will receive a call from the Judge’s office next door, asking if we will do a wedding. It has provided us a wonderful opportunity to connect in a positive way with our neighbors in the Judge’s office, along with couples we would have never met. As a side note, I’m glad I do what I do. Every job has its challenges, yet I’m glad that I’m dealing with the challenges that come across my desk, and they are dealing with the legal challenges that come to the courthouse. 

In the weddings we do, as you could probably guess, we encounter a wide range of people—everything from those who are simply looking for a signature on the license to full bridal parties dressed in their best. And when you only have three minutes to get to know them prior to actually performing the wedding, there are certain things you simply cannot do. Yet even in the few minutes we spend with the couples (and often their families), we encounter so much joy, beauty, and hope. Sometimes big formal weddings in a church or a wedding venue get complicated, everyone having an opinion, and some folks even getting mad. At the courthouse, there is not enough time. The weddings are to be about 15 minutes long. And for the most part, the couple will say as they are leaving, “That was more than I was expecting.” 

Both Paula and I are extraordinarily respectful of where we are when doing these weddings. It is not a space to promote or push our theology, at least not overtly. Yet with creativity, while remaining respectful, we are able to speak about the central values of Jesus. Sometimes we get so hung up on speaking religious language that we forget to speak to the heart of what our religion invites us to do. Each and every day, we can approach a situation and start telling people about Jesus. There might be appropriate times to do so, but I don’t feel as if Jesus’ ego is needing to hear his name. Jesus told his followers that people will know you are my disciples when you love one another. Anyone can say the name Jesus, but it takes some hard work and intention to love like Jesus.

Wherever I find myself and whoever I might encounter, I pray for the capacity to reflect Jesus through my love, compassion, and concern. As it is often challenging, I look to you, Merciful God, for the necessary assistance in being faithful to this task. Amen.