Marriage

As we enter into Holy Week I thought a brief reflection on marriage was in order.

Why?

Well, the passion of Jesus is a marriage feast.  It is on the cross that Jesus lives out his wedding vows as the bride groom and we as the bride.  He promises to be true to us in good times and in bad, sickness and in health, to love and honor all the days of his life. 

Jesus is faithful and true.  He sets the pattern and tone for every one who seeks to enter into the marriage.  We have all have been betrothed to God in Jesus.  We must look upon the cross not only as a sign of great fidelity and love but also as an invitation for us all to strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gift, the gift of lasting love.  

On the note of marriage between husband and wife:

three things to ponder:

Why do we place the ring on the 4th finger on the left hand?

The greeks and Romans used to wear the ring on the fourth finger of the left hand because they believed there was a nerve that ran from that particular finger directly to the heart, which is the human organ associated with love, fidelity, sacrifice.  Thus, the ring would stimulate the nerve and thus encourage the heart to be faithful.  

That reality has been carried over for close to two thousand years.

Why do we have the bride and groom join right hands when they declare their consent?

This is another symbol from the Roman world.  the parties joined hands as a sign of political agreement, a sign they will live publicly what they declare in private.

The joining of right hands has always been looked upon as a sign of agreement among men.  It was a sign of commitment in which the persons declare that they will stand by the words they had spoken.   It is a sign of concord, a sign of unity, a sign of willingness to do what they say and to say what they are about to do.  The joining of hands symbolize the union of mind and hearts, 

a  union that will manifest itself in the public forum, as a public witness for all to see. 

Thirdly, what makes a marriage?

Ultimately it is the consent that unites a couple.  No one can accidently get married.  Both have to want it, will it, choose it, declare it not just in word but in deed.  Marriage is a bodily event that allows love to be made manifest in the flesh.  

It is incarnational.  Just has God becomes flesh in Jesus to manifest is fidelity and love as seen in the cross, so husbands and wives enter into an incarnational love on their marriage day.  Each day their love is crucified and redemption is experienced in good time and in bad, in sickness and in health, to love and honor all the day of my life.