1. Celebrating your Marriage on the same day we celebrate the founding principles of our Nations birth, is unique indeed. In preparation, I researched the founding Documents and found 3 phrases, that can help us celebrate this Great day for you, and all that it holds for you in the rest of your lives. Recall from memory these words of the Declaration of Independence or the Preamble to the Constitution.
- Phrase 1 (Dec of Ind.): “When in the course of Human Events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bonds…”.
- Phrase 2 (Dec. of Ind.): “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal…”.
- Phrase 3 (Preamble to Constitution): “We the people of the United States, in order to from a more perfect union … etc. ”
These key introductory words help to recall the important points that follows in the Declaration or Preamble. I would like to use them to bring out the important points of our scripture readings, as we contemplate the churches understanding of marriage.
2. 1st Reading: When in the course of Human events, (Such as this sacramental marriage) it becomes necessary for them to declare their DEPENDENCE upon God. Why? Take a look at the reading.
In the Genesis we find our selves at the very 1st HUMAN EVENT: the creation of Adam and Eve. This passage helps to formulate our Judeo-Christian understanding of Marriage. Our bodies are not just Biological, they are also theological. Listen to these beautiful thoughts.
- MAN IS created in His Image (Father-Son-Spirit)
- MAN IS given dominion over creation
- MAN IS given our complimentary sexuality (Male-Female)
- MAN IS given the command to be fruitful
God’s creation is not only Good, it has order and responsibility. So the Right use of all God’s gifts benefits those married, but they also benefits society. For that reason we must declare our Dependence upon God as we love each other.
3. Gospel: As Christian people, We hold this religious truth to be self evident, that God has given us a command to Love one another as He loved us. This truth is for all, but today we look at it, in the way married couples must hold this truth to be self evident.
The Command to Love one another, takes its meaning in the example of “How Jesus showed love for His Church”. He gave up His Life that she might be saved. Therefore this truth for married couples must include the prospect of total self denial or sacrifice for ones spouse, family and friends on a daily basis. Christ and His love for the Church is what your marriage must reflect. This means body, mind and spirit. The truth is, it’s only in this mutual self giving, that we can say a marriage will succeed.
4. 2nd reading: In order to form a more perfect union, married couples must eagerly strive for the spiritual gifts. You ___N___ and ___N___ are following in the footsteps of many great marriages. Your Parents, your grand Parents. And in all cases I am sure they had their moments of trouble. They used I am sure their spiritual gifts. But in times of real trouble, in order to establish the more perfect life time union, I am sure they had to reach for the Greatest Spiritual Gift. And at that gift is …Love. There are times when it’s hard to be kind, patient etc. Love brings forth patience. True Love never fails, because people respond to loving actions.
5. N. and N., God has given us a plan for marriage and He has given each of you many gifts with you can together build a wonderful married life. You have the support of family and friends, which are very important. And importantly too you have the support of the Church. In the Sacrament of Marriage you receive special graces. In the other sacraments especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation You have other moments of Grace to draw upon as needed. The prayer And word of God are also present. Keep Jesus close to your marriage.
Homily Outline
1. Thank you for coming to the church to prepare.
2. 4th July Freedom / Marriage Loss of Freedom or gain?
3. under the belief marriage is for life / Covenant w/ God
Q: How do we maintain this chosen way of life?
4. opening words of political documents
a: When in the course of Human events DI
b: We hold these truths to be self evident DI
c: In order to form a more perfect union P
5. USE words to understand Church marriage teachings
6. When in the course of HUMAN EVENTS….it becomes
necessary for you to declare our DEPENDENCE
7. We hold this TRUTH to be SELF EVIDENT….you must FOLLOW
the command of Christ to Love as he loved…to die to self
8. In order to form a more PERFECT union, you must EARGERLY
strive to use the spiritual gifts.
9. you have the disposition to take on Christian Marriage
a) you each bring faith in God to table
b) your love and care for each other is evident
c) your commitment to GROW / to have a more perfect marriage
10. you have the support of
a) Church to pray and provide spiritual life
b) Family to lead and
c) Friends
11. I invite you forward to declare your love for each other.
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