Matrimony

It was my pleasure to attend the matrimony ceremony of the parents of my two godsons who are teenagers now. The ceremony was held in a beautiful chapel dedicated to St. Padre Pio. It was solemn and meaningful. There was a private reception afterward.

Fr. John Paul officiated at the ceremony. In his homily, he made it clear that the true ministers of this sacrament were not him, the priest, but the bride and the bridegroom. This occasion is a happy occasion. It is a celebration, a celebration of the union between a man and his wife. Such a union is an inexhaustible source of spirituality. He humbly limited himself to mention just three points.

In matrimony, husband and wife give themselves without reservation to the other party. This total commitment does not depend on moods and romantic feelings. It is an act of love which must be out-giving, not just outgoing.
Secondly, they become one. But it is not just a physical union of the flesh but also a union of the mind and soul. It is particularly important for Christian husbands and wives to share their spiritual life. Most of them are probably spiritually very deep in private without knowing that they can nourish the spiritual life of each other.
Lastly, their love is everlasting. In their nuptial vows, they swore to God, in the presence of the Church, that till death they part. But even death is unable to kill their love. Many widows or widowers still experience and miss their deceased spouses. Their love for each other lasts beyond death, until they reunite again in heaven.
It was a lovingly touching homily.

Thank God. Many priests are able to show the mercy and love of God while others act more or less like judges in upholding the Canon Law. These friends of mine have been married by civil rites for many years without undergoing the proper matrimony rites in the Church. From the point of view of the Canon Law, their marriage is not "valid". They are only cohabiting together and giving birth to children for many years. But Fr. John Paul looks at it in a different way. These years of living together to build up a family and raising children concretely demonstrate the faithfulness and truthfulness of their love! They are not living in a state of sin.
There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and he who fears is not perfected in love (1 John 4:18).

Dear Lord, I pray for the marriages of the friends I know. Bless their marriages so that they bear good fruits, raising the spirituality of them, their children, friends and neighbours who witness the success of their marriages. Amen.