Dear friends, what a joy it is to gather here today in the presence of God to witness this beautiful moment in the lives of [Name] and [Name]. Let us begin by asking God's blessing on this celebration of love and commitment. Heavenly Father, we thank you for bringing [Name] and [Name] together in love, and we ask that your presence fill this celebration as they become one flesh in the covenant of marriage. Amen.
Today, we reflect on a profound truth that runs through our readings: **Marriage is a gift designed by God.** This divine gift was established at creation itself, not as an afterthought, but as part of God's original plan for human flourishing and happiness.
In our first reading from Genesis, we hear those beautiful words that capture God's intention: "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him." These words reveal something fundamental about our human nature. We are created for relationship, for communion, for the giving and receiving of love. When God created Eve from Adam's rib, He established the first marriage—a relationship so intimate that Adam exclaimed, "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh."
This is no ordinary bond. The sacred author concludes with words that Jesus himself would later quote: "That is why a man leaves his father and mother and clings to his wife, and the two of them become one flesh." This "one flesh" union is at the heart of God's design for marriage—a complete gift of self that creates a new reality, a communion of persons that reflects God's own love.
In our Gospel reading from Mark, Jesus reinforces this divine plan. When questioned about divorce, Jesus points back to "the beginning of creation" and reaffirms God's original design: "God made them male and female... and the two shall become one flesh." Then Jesus adds those powerful words that we will hear in the marriage rite today: "What God has joined together, no human being must separate."
St. Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, elevates this understanding even further. Marriage becomes an image—a living sign—of Christ's relationship with the Church. "Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her." This is sacrificial love, love that gives itself completely for the good of the beloved. Paul calls this relationship a "great mystery"—something that points beyond itself to God's own covenant love.
[Name] and [Name], today you stand before God and this community to embrace this divine gift of marriage. In your journey of faith as Catholics, you have come to understand that marriage is not merely a human institution or a legal contract, but a sacrament—a channel of God's grace and a reflection of His love in the world.
The gift you receive today carries with it both privileges and responsibilities. As you live out God's design for your marriage, I offer three practical ways to nurture this divine gift:
First, remember that your marriage is a work of three—you, your spouse, and God. Make prayer the foundation of your home. When challenges arise—and they will—turn to God together. The family that prays together truly does stay together. Let the Eucharist nourish your love, just as it nourishes the Church's communion with Christ.
Second, practice the art of mutual self-giving. In a world that often asks "What's in it for me?", your marriage is called to witness to a different way—the way of Christ who "handed himself over" in love. This means listening when you'd rather speak, forgiving when you'd rather hold a grudge, and serving when you'd rather be served. Small acts of selflessness build a marriage that reflects God's design.
Third, protect your "one flesh" union. Guard your marriage against the many forces in our culture that would diminish its sacred character. Create boundaries that honor your commitment. Make time for each other amidst life's busyness. Speak words that build up rather than tear down. And remember that true intimacy grows through daily choices to love, even when feelings fluctuate.
[Name] and [Name], the vows you will soon exchange are not just words but a sacred promise to live according to God's design. You will promise to be faithful "in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health," reflecting the unconditional love of Christ for His Church. This is no small undertaking, but God who has brought you to this moment will give you the grace to live it.
As we witness your marriage today, all of us are reminded of God's original plan for human love. In a world that often misunderstands or devalues marriage, your commitment stands as a witness to God's beautiful design—a design for joy, for growth in holiness, and for a love that reflects God's own faithful love.
May God who has designed marriage as a gift from the beginning bless you abundantly as you become one flesh today and throughout all the days of your life together.