The bond and covenant of marriage

I am thinking about the ties that bind because seventy years ago today my parents got married. They were blessed with almost sixty years of marriage before my dad died in 1998.

There are Biblical standards for Christian marriage that are based on common sense notions such as love and respect. Christian marriage is a solemn and public covenant between a man and a woman in the presence of God. In the Episcopal Church it is required that one, at least, of the parties must be a baptized Christian; that the ceremony be attested by at least two witnesses; and that the marriage conform to the laws of the State and the canons of this Church. [The Book of Common Prayer, 422]

I acknowledge that a lot of marriages dissolve, and some for good reason, but this is far from ideal. When I counsel a couple before providing a marriage ceremony for them, I give them to understand that this is serious business. Marriage is a lifetime commitment which requires a lot of mindful, daily effort from both parties.

These words might sound familiar to you:

Dearly beloved: We have come together in the presence of God to witness and bless the joining together of this man and this woman in Holy Matrimony. The bond and covenant of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner of life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.

The union of husband and wife in heart, body, and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and, when it is God's will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore marriage is not to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God. [The Book of Common Prayer, 423]


In peace,
Linda+
The Rev. Linda McCloud
Vicar, Holy Cross Church Episcopal
http://www.holycrosschurchbillings.org/
406-208-7314
Photos: family album