It is not so much the wedding ceremony, as the way of life celebrated in that symbolic ritual. It is the human experience of loving in marriage that is the enduring sacrament. There are 5 main elements, which celebrate the sacramental quality of marriage: the liturgy of the word, the consent, the blessing and the exchange of the rings, the nuptial blessing and final blessing. These elements are very important in the ceremony itself because they combine a focus on the couple with recognition that marriage is an event greater and more encompassing than what happens between two individuals alone.
The liturgy of the word is the proclaiming of the word of God in the Scriptures. The exchange of promises, or consent, during the ceremony gives the couple the opportunity to say yes to each other publicly. Even though the couple has told each other of their love many times before this moment, the promises (vows) gain meaning because they are proclaimed in a formal, public setting. This consent is an essential part of the rite. The words accompanying the blessing and exchange of the rings refer to the rings as "signs of love and fidelity." Rings are an ancient symbol of wholeness and unity. Wearing a ring given by another person keeps that person in our thoughts and reminds us of that person's love. In some cultures however, the exchange of rings does not fit into the people's customs, so it can be omitted. The nuptial blessing is a prayer for God's grace, peace, love and strength to be with the couple through all of their life together, and for the gift for children.
Marriage is a natural experience and a powerful symbol. As a sacrament, it depicts God's covenantal relationship with the people in the very human "body language" of two persons becoming one flesh. Two persons who love one another deeply know that they energy of their love, comes from God and ultimately returns to God. When they lie together naked and make love, they express and enter into a divine energy which is considered the most sacramental moment of human existence in the world.
Yet, the social practice of marriage or union between people was not always deemed a sacrament. Discuss the history and development of the belief that marriage is a sacrament. What is the significance of calling marriage a sacrament? Do you feel that marriage is/can be a sacrament? ... This mistaken interpretation was a turning point, in the Christian understanding of marriage as a sacrament. ...
The seven sacraments are as follows: Baptism, Confirmation, Eucharist, Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, Marriage and Holy Orders. ... Of all the sacraments, the sacrament of marriage is the most controversial because it was not included in the original sacraments. It is believed though, that Christ elevated the rite of marriage to the dignity of a sacrament. The Church has always taught that marriage in the catholic sense belongs to the essence of a sacrament. ... In the rite of marriage a man and woman declare their intentions in f...
The following will discuss first Christian views, first biblical references concerning marriage, marriage as a sacrament in the Catholic religion, then interpretations of them particularly that of the Protestants, particularly Luther and Calvin. ... Paul wrote that marriage is a true sacrament and the sign of the conjugal union of Christ and his Bride, the Church (Matrimony, 1997). ... The church in it's wisdom, history and the presence of the Holy Spirit takes it upon itself to judge the validity of marriages presented to it for judgment (Sacraments, 1997). ... The sacrament of...
Baptism is the first of the seven sacraments. ... Penance is one of the sacraments of healing in the Christian Church. ... Marriage is part of the Commitment practice. ... A symbol that is used for marriage is a ring. ... This sacrament is often known as the sacrament of the sick. ...
The sacrament of Baptism is the first sacrament. ... Matrimony is the ceremony of marriage of two people baptized in the Catholic Church. Marriage was begun by God, in the garden of Paradise, when he joined Adam and Eve in a union that could never be broken so that they might love each other and bring children into the world . Although God arranged the first marriage, Jesus made marriage the sacrament of Matrimony. ... The final sacrament is a sacrament of Healing. ...
It is often times called gay marriage or equal marriage. ... Marriage is a sacred sacrament that needs to be respected. ... Thus, defeating the purpose of marriage. ... To refute their arguments, first, it is true that marriage is a sacrament that needs to be respected but homosexuals are able human beings that are able to show respect too. They can also respect the solemnity of the sacrament and treat it with reverence. ...
The next sacrament is Confession. ... The couple must be aware that in a marriage God is the third person, if not the service would be a mockery. Marriage is an important Sacrament and people may ask for it for different reasons. If the Priest talks to the couple and they are ready to start anew, actively participating in the Mass and participating in marriage preparation courses, where there is indication of sincerity then the marriage should be granted. However the marriage should not be granted if either of the couple have been married before and have not obtained an annulment. ...
In this paper, I will focus on the sacraments and the differing views of Methodists and Catholics in this area. ... Looking up the definition of the word "sacrament" brings up a few results that differ because of denominations in the church. ... The sacrament of confirmation is a sacrament only found in the Roman Catholic Church. ... Other than baptism, the Eucharist is the only sacrament shared by both the Methodist and Catholic churches. ... The Catholic church places an importance on matrimony, considering marriage itself a sacrament. ...