Wedding Homily

 

The sacraments of Holy Orders and that of Holy Matrimony have so many similarities. In the classification of the sacraments, the two are grouped together and referred to as the sacraments of service. Through the sacrament of Holy Orders, one is configured into the person of Christ and becomes another Christ. Through the sacrament of Holy Matrimony, two distinct and separate individuals are joined together and they no longer become two separate persons but one flesh. These two sacraments bring about a certain kind of transformation in their recipients and equip them for special missions.

A story is told of one priest who after his priestly ordination, looked at himself in the mirror and was surprised to still see his face, unchanged. Apparently, he expected to have seen the face of Jesus Christ because on the course of his theological studies, he learnt that the sacrament of Holy Orders configures one into the person of Christ. The story did not end there! The priest went to his Bishop to complain that no transformation had taken place in him. His Bishop welcomed him but gave him a letter to go see the Rector of the major seminary where he finished his studies. In the letter, the Bishop had requested the Rector to admit the priest to a class where he can do a six-month crash program on the Sacraments especially that of Holy Orders.

In the Bible, we find different instances where it is mentioned that the sacrament of Holy Matrimony makes a man and woman, one flesh. We find this first in the book of Genesis 2:24- A man leaves his father and mother and becomes attached to his wife, and they become one flesh. We find it again in the gospel according to St. Matthew: For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother, and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one body; what God has joined together, let no one separate (Matthew 19:5). Lastly, St Paul in his letter to the Ephesians repeats this same injunction (Ephesians 5:31).

Dear brothers and sisters, the change which the sacrament of Holy Orders confers on the one who receives it is an ontological change. This change does not pertain to the physical qualities of the individual but to his very substance or essence. His essence has been converted to an entirely different type. In the same way, that the sacrament of Holy Matrimony makes a husband and his wife one flesh does not mean that after this Mass, one person ceases to exist or that one is subsumed into the other. No.

First of all, one as a number is the principle of indivisibility. In primary school, we were taught that one is a number that cannot be divided by another number and cannot itself divide another number. So, by being one, husband and wife become indivisible. The beauty of a marriage is the ability to have harmony in the midst of many differences that exist between the two of you. This harmony creates symphony, unity and oneness. When one fails, it hurts both and when one succeeds, both benefit. Moses and Olivia, after this celebration, both of you will belong entirely to each other; you will be one in mind, one in heart, and one in affections- spiritually, physically and emotionally. Remember, it is a oneness that respects the differences.

In most cases, becoming one is not much a problem. Remaining one is a bigger problem. There are many couples who became one on the day of their wedding but never remained one. Remaining one requires a lot of sacrifices. Whatever sacrifices that may be required of you to preserve this mutual life, always make them generously. Sacrifice is usually difficult. Only love can make it easy, and perfect love can make it a joy. We are willing to give in proportion as we love. And when love is perfect, the sacrifice is complete.