(If you have not had a chance to complete Wedding Promises and Vows 2.1, please do so now.)
"This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body."
"This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman,' for out of 'her man' this one has been taken. That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one body."
Genesis 2: 23-24
The wedding promises helped you know what a Catholic marriage is all about. You promised to love one another with a love that was completely free (not forced or coerced), faithful (you would be emotionally and physically faithful to one another), total (you would give yourself without holding anything back from the other person) and fruitful (your love would go beyond just the love between each other and would be open to new life).
After making the promises to one another and to God, you were ready to get married. Since it was your intention to marry the priest then lead you in these (or very similar) vows:
The wedding promises helped you know what a Catholic marriage is all about. You promised to love one another with a love that was completely free (not forced or coerced), faithful (you would be emotionally and physically faithful to one another), total (you would give yourself without holding anything back from the other person) and fruitful (your love would go beyond just the love between each other and would be open to new life).
After making the promises to one another and to God, you were ready to get married. Since it was your intention to marry the priest then lead you in these (or very similar) vows:
"I, N., take you, N., to be my wife (husband). I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."
Take a moment to slowly re-read your vows… What do your vows mean to you today?
Take a moment to slowly re-read your vows… What do your vows mean to you today?
On your wedding day you were ministers of the sacrament of marriage to each other. The priest or deacon was only the witness on behalf of the Church. It was you who gave consent to marry one another and it was you who said the words of consecration (your vows) to one another. By your consent, you created a new reality; your two individual lives became one flesh in the sacrament. The two of you with God created a covenant of love.
What does it mean for the two of you to become one?
How do you minister the sacrament of marriage to your spouse today in your marriage?
When you have a chance, take a moment to pray with your spouse and then during your prayer, share your wedding vows with one another again. Share with each other how you feel when you say these words to one another.
I was recently reading an article for work regarding wedding vows, commitment and the impact of consumerism upon how couples relate to each other. One of the things this secular article encouraged couples to do is to try to be the best spouse they can be for the other, instead of always pointing the blame and "she should have" or "he should have".... This is one of the ways we are trying to practice ministering the sacrament of marriage to each other. This also affects how we work out conflicts and different views of things. It helps us to each take more responsibility for our parts...
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura. It is funny how recently so many 'secular' writings about marriage affirm what the Catholic Church has taught about marriage. Sociology is affirming the truth and beauty of marriage in many ways.
ReplyDeleteTeresa and I have been good friends for more than 35 years. When we took our friendship to the next level, we maintained our friendship as well. We fell in love, and our love has changed our relationship. Our hearts are now united, and our lives are lived both with and for each other.
ReplyDeleteAfter being married to each other for almost 12 years, we still love to be with each other. We are one in marriage, and we share our love daily by spending time together and appreciating each other.
We have become one, and that is a wonderful feeling!
I remember reading that love is a verb, not just a feeling. So it's important to show your love through your words and actions; no one knows if you were thinking of them if you don't act on that impulse. So I try to thank Casey for the little things, and also remember that he is not just the father of our kids, but my partner and friend, and to nurture that relationship as well.
ReplyDeleteMy mother died recently and I also attended a baby baptism so the idea of being in God's mercy and love from beginning to end is fresh in my mind. Our marriage vows seal us together on a journey that will have great pleasure, joys, and also unfortunately great sorrow.
ReplyDeleteI find peace and hope that I will not be alone facing these events but supported by another and supporting another.