Martin de Vos, Marriage at Cana, Detail, 1596-97

   •  THE BOND AND COVENANT of marriage was established by God in creation, and our Lord Jesus Christ adorned this manner or life by his presence and first miracle at a wedding in Cana of Galilee. It signifies to us the mystery of the union between Christ and his Church, and Holy Scripture commends it to be honored among all people.
   
The Union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind is intended by God for their mutual joy; for the help and comfort given one another in prosperity and adversity; and when it is God’s will, for the procreation of children and their nurture in the knowledge and love of the Lord. Therefore, deliberately, and in accordance with the purposes for which it was instituted by God.
- 1979 Book of Common Prayer, p. 423

 
Gospel Lections

Select one of the following:

The continuation of the Holy Gospel
according to Matthew 
Matthew 5:1-10

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain:  and when he was set, his disciples came unto him.  And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are they that mourn:  for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek:  for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:  for they shall be filled.

Blessed are the merciful:  for they shall obtain mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart:  for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers:  for they shall be called the children of God.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:  for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

The continuation of the Holy Gospel
according to Matthew 
Matthew 5:13-16

Ye are the salt of the earth:  but if the salt have lost his savior, wherewith shall it be salted?  it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.  Ye are the light of the world.  A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.  Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

The continuation of the Holy Gospel
according to Matthew
Matthew 7:21, 24-29

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.

Therefore whosoever heareth these saying of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not:  for it was founded upon a rock.  And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:  And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell:  and great was the fall of it.  And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine:  For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes.

The continuation of the Holy Gospel
according to John

John 15:9-12

As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you:  continue ye in my love.  If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.  These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.  This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

The continuation of the Holy Gospel
according to Mark
Mark 10:6-9, 13-16

But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.  For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife; And they twain shall be one flesh:  so then they are no more twain, but one flesh.  What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them:  and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not:  for of such is the kingdom of God.  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

 

Back to previous page

WEDDING INFORMATION
Introduction
Requirements for Marriage
Parish Guidelines
Bishop's Guidelines
Fees and Music
Seating
Rehearsal
Reception
Photography

READINGS DURING THE CEREMONY
Introduction
Old Testament Lections
Psalms
Epistle Lections
Gospel Lections

 
 

ORABO SPIRITU ORABO ET MENTE  :  PSALLAM SPIRITU PSALLAM ET MENTE

Home | Service schedule | The Mass | Music | Prayer of the Church | Outreach
Catechumenate | Parish life | Sermons | Links | E-mail us

Information on sources and copyright