Calvin Lee

Friends, we are gathered here today to witness the marriage of Marie and Trevor. Let us acknowledge God's presence here and now, as we celebrate this union of two into one. In the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

*(Prayer)*

Brothers and sisters:

Be subordinate to one another out of reverence for Christ.

Wives should be subordinate to their husbands as to the Lord.

For the husband is head of his wife

just as Christ is head of the Church,

he himself the savior of the Body.

As the Church is subordinate to Christ,

so wives should be subordinate to their husbands in everything.

Husbands, love your wives,

even as Christ loved the Church

and handed himself over for her to sanctify her,

cleansing her by the bath of water with the word,

that he might present to himself the Church in splendor,

without spot or wrinkle or any such thing,

that she might be holy and without blemish.

So also husbands should love their wives as their own bodies.

He who loves his wife loves himself.

For no one hates his own flesh

but rather nourishes and cherishes it,

even as Christ does the Church,

because we are members of his Body.

For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother

and be joined to his wife,

and the two shall become one flesh. [*}

This is a great mystery,

but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.

In any case, each one of you should love his wife as himself,

and the wife should respect her husband.

Marie and Trevor have personally selected this passage as this has been one of the more memorable readings for them when attending mass together. As we reflect on these words, we must remember scriptures can have universal meaning. Often people in modern society focus solely on the line “wives be subject to your husband” but we need to look at St. Paul’s teaching on marriage as a whole. He speaks of honor and respect, sacrificial love, and also recognizing the very real differences in the relational characteristics of men and women. Together these differences compliment each other and allow them to follow the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

St. Paul models marriage, which is the relationship between a husband and wife, similar to Christ’s relation with the Church. Christ is the protector of the Church similar to how a husband is the protector of his wife and family.

The Church was born from the side of Christ on Good Friday. The Holy Father made Eve by using a rib from Adam. We remember they shall be two in one flesh. Women are honored by being the instruments of Christ and are made in His image of love and affection. We see that husband and wife need each other and must work together in their respective roles to bring balance and harmony especially when there is struggle in their lives.

Both are called to embrace their vocation as a wife, husband, mother, father and the sacrifices they will make to better their family. Just as Jesus washed His disciples’ feet at the Last Supper as obligation of His service and love.

[*}

St. Paul also wrote to speak the truth, do not sin when angry, avoid evil speech, put away all bitterness and anger, and be kind hearted and forgiving. We wish these two loving individuals to remember St. Paul’s words as they continue on their journey with Christ.

Marie James and Trevor Burger will now share their vows.

*(Vows)*

[need exact wording]

*(Wait for Confirmation)*

Marie James and Trevor Burger will now exchange rings as a symbol of their eternal love and commitment.

*(Ring Exchange - optional Ring Blessing or Pronouncement and Blessing)*

I call on all of you to witness that Marie and Trevor have exchanged their vows, in the presence of God and this gathering, and they are now one.

Before Marie and Trevor go in peace with Christ and we conclude this joyful ceremony, they would like to honor Mary the Blessed Mother who embodies family and devotion. If you would like, please join me in saying:

Hail, Mary, full of grace,

the Lord is with thee.

Blessed are thou amongst women

and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.

Holy Mary, Mother of God,

pray for us sinners,

now and at the hour of our death.

Amen.

By the authority vested in me by the State of Nevada I now pronounce you wife and husband!