Marriage in the Catholic church is the COVENANT between a man and a woman as partnership in their whole life. God Himself is the author of marriage.
CCC ( Catechism of the Catholic Church) says: "The Church attaches great importance to Jesus' presence at the Wedding at Cana. This is the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and the proclamation that marriage will be a sign of Christ's presence. In his preaching Jesus taught the original meaning of the union of man and woman as the Creator willed it from the beginning permission given by Moses to divorce one's wife was a concession to the hardness of hearts.
The matrimonial union of man and woman is indissoluble: God himself has determined it "what therefore God has joined together, let no man separate".
What is COVENANT ?
Covenant is the heart of Christian marriage. Covenant in Hebrew word means "Cutting".
The concept of sacrifice is the core of Covenant.
Another meaning is a solemn agreement with biding force.
What is different between COVENANT and CONTRACT ?
Covenant : Spiritual Agreement
Contract : Legally binding
Covenant : A pledge
Contract : Agreement between two parties
Covenant : Perpetual Promise
Contract : Agreement that can be broken
Covenant : Giving oneself to another
Contract : Exchange one good for another
Covenant : Permanent and Eternity
Contract : There's time limit
Why marriage in the church is called Marriage Covenant ?
Marriage is a vow to God, to each other, our family and our community to remain steadfast in unconditional love, reconciliation, sexual purity.
It's eternal commitment to God. People can negotiate the terms in contract but not covenant.
The heart of marriage covenant is "THE STEADFAST LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE NEVER CEASES"
What is different between Marriage Contract and Marriage Covenant ?
Contract : I take you for me
Covenant : I give myself for you
Contract : You had better do it
Covenant : How may I serve you
Contract : What do I get ?
Covenant : What do I give ?
Contract : I'll meet you halfway
Covenant : I'll give you 100%
Contract : I have to
Covenant : I want to
What is the Biblical Foundation of Marriage Covenant ?
It's all started from Genesis 2 : 24, the first marriage was based on promise and monogamous. God is seen as the creator and presenting woman to a man, an act that continues until today.
The act of marriage consisted of leaving, cleaving, and becoming one flesh. It incorporates the concepts of independence from parents, commitment to a marriage partner, sexual union and a growing - interdependent relationship.
Human marriages are meant to be like God's marriage covenant to His people in purpose and permanence.
In New Testament, Jesus is the sacrificial lamb who takes away the sins of the world. Through His death, a New Covenant was established not on law but on grace. Marriage covenant is reinforced by the Holy Spirit. It indwells believers and is available to help the married couple. He becomes a part of the marriage team.
What elements form Marriage Covenant ?
1. Exchange of vow
The act of will by which a man and a woman give themselves to each other, and accept the gift of the other. The marriage can't happen without the declaration of consent.
2. Exchange of rings
Ring is a sign of covenant. A symbol of eternal love with has no beginning or end just the way love should be.
It's usually worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. This is because the vein in this finger was believed to lead to the wearer's heart.
3. Holy Sacrifice - Eucharist
Sacrifice is the core of Covenant and in older days, covenant is confirmed with animals sacrifice but since Jesus is the sacrificial lamb, we celebrated Eucharist as a form of renewing Covenant.
4. Marriage consummated
It's the first act of sexual intercourse between husband and wife. In the olden days, when two people made covenant and cut their flesh, the blood will flow. Marriage consummation also has the same meaning when the first act of sexual intercourse happens between husband and wife, there will be blood from wife's hymen.
Marriage is the most intimate of all human relationships, uniting a man and a woman in a "one-flesh" union. While "one flesh" suggests sexual intercourse and normally procreation at its very heart the concept entails the establishment of a new kinship relationship between two.
5. White Gown
People always refer white wedding gown to virginity but actually it has deeper meaning in association of Marriage Covenant.
In olden days, when two people make covenant by cutting their flesh and uniting their blood, they will use white cloth as a proof that covenant was established.
Now in the same meaning, white gown means that Marriage Covenant was established.
6. Witness
These witnesses - family, friends and invited guests are all participants in the wedding covenant. Many have made sacrifices to help prepare the couple for marriage and support them in their holy union.
7. Wedding reception
A ceremonial meal was often part of the blood covenant. At a wedding reception, guests share with the couple in the blessings of the covenant. The reception also illustrates the wedding supper of the Lamb described in Revelation 19.
8. Wedding Cake
The cutting of the cake is another picture of the cutting of the covenant. When the bride and groom take pieces of cake and feed it to each other, once again, they are showing they have given their all to the other and will care for each other as one flesh. At a Christian wedding, the cutting and feeding of cake can be done joyfully but should be done lovingly and reverently, in a way that honors the covenant relationship
In conclusion, Marriage Covenant is sacred and it trains us to love God and others, it exposes sin and makes us more aware of God's presence, how good marriages foster good prayer, how married sex feeds the spiritual life, and more.
Whether our marriage is delightful or difficult, our marriage can become a doorway to a closer walk with God
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