Holy Matrimony
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Three Readings I Would Choose for My Wedding The first reading I would include is from the Book of Genesis 1:26-28. In this reading, it tells the story of God creating man in His image and likeness. At a wedding, this reading signals the realities and spiritual life of marriage. While Holy Matrimony is a sacrament between the bride and groom, this reading reminds the couple that a main part of their relationship is God. A newlywed couple should remember that their relationship was made in the image and likeness of God. The second reading I would include is 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a. In this reading, St. Paul tells us exactly what the meaning of love is, and how a healthy, loving relationship should be. Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. These words describe how you should love your partner. You should be patient with your spouse, you should not demand your own way, and never keep record of when your spouse was wrong. Love isn't glad about injustice, love is about an unconditional sacrifice you make for your spouse. This reading helps couples understand that with faith and hope, a loving relationship can endure every circumstance. The third reading I would include is Book of Tobit 8:4b-8. In this reading, on the night of their wedding, Tobiah wakes up and tells his bride to join him in prayer. Together they pray that God will bless them as he created Adam and Eve. He tells God that he has taken his wife not out of lust, but out of love and true virtue. He begs God for mercy that they may grow old together. This reading expresses the real spiritual strength found in the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. The purpose of marriage is not lust, but to support, help, love, and be there for each other until old age. This reading also encourages couples to pray together. Video of a Catholic Marriage Rite The link below is of a Catholic wedding ceremony in St. Monica's Catholic Church in Santa Monica, California: Click here for the video Pictured above is my sisters and I at my Aunt Bridget and Uncle Phil's wedding in 2009 at St. Agnes Cathedral. We were the flower girls! The upper picture to the left is my aunt and uncle standing in front the altar after the ceremony. The lower picture to the left is my family and I enjoying the reception after the wedding.
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