James Middleton's Lesson

The silence of the UK's media on the content of the Royal Wedding Service probably indicates that it was utterly moving, profoundly and markedly Christian.  No wonder the verger of Westminster Abbey cartwheeled afterwards down an avenue of maple trees.  Interestingly, Italian media TV coverage stopped its coverage the moment the Westminster Abbey service started. Instead of sublime music and Bible readings, all Italy was offered were vapid adverts and fashionistas chatting about the wrong angle to wear a hat.  They were deprived of experiencing reformed "high" spirituality.

Princess Diana, unmentioned in the BBC's coverage, was present in the prayer, written by Prince William and Catherine, which seemed to fulfill the words of Earl Spencer about the kind of son she had hoped William would be.

We were all quite blown away by James Middleton's reading of Scripture.  His seriousness and slow delivery, savouring every word, surely teaches us how Holy Scripture should be read. For me, apart from the modest dignity of the bride's father's walk down the aisle, the mutual love of the glamorous couple and the anthem by John Rutter, James Middleton's rendition of the Lesson will remain with me always. 

If this promising young couple put this Lesson into practice, then many will be blessed.  So far, surely the Church has been greatly delighted by their marriage service.  

I particularly loved Rutter's "This is the Day" because his "Requiem" was part of my own healing from ME. I was once informed, whether correctly or not that he, like me, was healed from ME which he had while he was writing Requiem. To be healed from ME gives one an ongoing sense of gratitude and deep appreciation of nature. It is set to Psalm 118:24, Psalm 148:1-5; Psalm 91: 4,11, Psalm 121: 5-8 and Psalm 27: 16. It is here:


I quote here again the text delivered by James Middleton: Romans 12 1-2 and 9-18. See also my further comments on James Middleton on 11 May (this whole story is quite delightful).

THE LESSON

I APPEAL to you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God - what is good and acceptable and perfect. Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honour. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.