We’ve Only Just Begun … To Surrender

And when the evening comes, we smile
So much of life ahead
We’ll find a place where there’s room to grow
And yes, we’ve just begun

“We’ve Only Just Begun”: Carpenters

Talk about love
How it makes life complete
You can talk all you want
Make it sound good and sweet
But the words have an empty ring
And they don’t really mean a thing …
For love is surrender

“Love Is Surrender”: Carpenters

Last weekend was especially joyous at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Kansas City.

Saturday, two truly beautiful people were united in a truly beautiful marriage ceremony. Everyone’s story is theirs, but these folks are unique. They grew up within 20 minutes of each other, but their paths never crossed. They came to Kansas City for school and work. They moved to the same downtown neighborhood, attended the Cathedral and met at a Young Adults event, and the rest is history. It was an honor to see them grow together and wed.

Sunday, couples marking 50 years of marriage were honored at Masses celebrated by Bishop James Johnston. In his homily, Bishop Johnston quoted from the lyrics to “We’ve Only Just Begun”, which, soberingly, is 50 years old this year. I’ve heard a lot of homilies, but none where pop song lyrics fit so well.

On that album is another song, “Love is Surrender” by Christian songwriter, and secular orchestra leader and arranger, the late Ralph Carmichael. The songs, though not paired on the recording, seem to sit in spirit and in life.

It is true for our newlyweds and it is true for us who have been married for decades. Each day is a call to surrender for love. It may be following God’s whisper as we are making important decisions. It may be turning down our will to our partner’s needs. It will be when our time on Earth has ended, and the Lord welcomes us.

I love. And I surrender. I come to do your will.