7/JESUS
7/3 MARRIAGE
THE WEDDING AT CANA. Jesus, Mary,
and the disciples attended a wedding in the town of Cana. When the wine ran
out, Mary told Jesus that there was no wine left, and she told the servants to
do what Jesus told them. Jesus told the servants to fill six stone water jars
and bring some to the headwaiter, who though not knowing where it came from,
tasted it and was amazed how good it was. He then informed the bridegroom of
this. This miracle of changing water into wine showed the importance that Jesus
had for marriage.
JESUS SPOKE ABOUT MARRIAGE. Jesus
was asked if it was lawful for a man to divorce his wife as Moses had given men
the permission to do so. Jesus responded by saying that God created man who
should take a wife and the two should become one flesh and what God had joined
together no human being should separate. A man who divorced his wife and
married another woman had committed adultery. Jesus said that there is no
divorce for a couple validly married.
THE RITE OF MARRIAGE. Normally this sacrament must take place in a
proper church with or without Mass. It must be witnessed by a priest or deacon.
There are two parts to the rite. 1) The couple in the presence of all promise to
live faithfully as husband and wife respecting and loving each other as long as
they live and be willing to accept children as God may give them. 2) The two of
them both sign a marriage certificate along with two witnesses and the priest
or deacon.
