Tecchilaw - 14. The Sacrament of Matrimony

In the above images you can see how the sacrament of Matrimony is administered. It is given in the Church. It is a social sacrament. It is a union blessed by God at the very beginning of creation. It is clear in this text from the Holy Bible:

The Lord God said, ‘It is not good that the man should be alone. I will make him a helpmate.’ (Genesis 2:18)

Matrimony is a Sacrament administered in the presence of the Lord. God blesses the couple who will be united in Holy Matrimony.

Matrimony is a covenant. The covenant is an union in love. Hence the couple getting married should live together in love and cooperation. There are two parties in a covenant. They are the bride and the groom. There must be witnesses in a covenant. Here it is the

priest ➡ official witness of the Church ➡ relatives, friends and well-wishers present who represent the society. Two responsible witnesses from these will sign officially.

Signs of a Christian marriage;

1. Unity.

What is suggested here is that one man can marry only one woman and one woman can marry only one man. The married couple shares their joys and sorrows with one another and they live their lifetime in love and co-existence.

2. Continuity.

The married couple must live their entire lifetime until death, together. Divorce is not permitted in a Christian marriage. The quotation from the Bible given below confirms it:

The responsibilities of parents towards their children:

Provide love, protection and nourishment for children.
Fulfil bodily,mental and spiritual needs for children.
Provide the reception of the Sacraments at the due age for children.
Bring up children in Christian faith.
Provide a sound education for children.
See that the children are admitted to schools which provide Christianity (RC) as a subject.
Provide education in a Catholic environment for childen.
Bring up children who fulfil their responsibilities consciously.
Bring up children who will live as good citizens.

Respecting and obeying your parents.
Helping parents with their work.
Helping parents in times of sadness and sickness.
Caring for your aged parents.
Looking after your younger brothers & sisters.
Doing your best to have a good education.
Always trying to please your parents.
Living in peace & harmony with your siblings.

A Christian family can take example from the Holy Family of Nazareth

1. At the Annunciation Mary said: “Be it done to me according to thy Word.” In the same way, every member of the family should accept the will of God.

2. Just as Mary,though she was the Mother of God, visited her cousin Elizabeth, we must help others.

3. St. Joseph showed care & concern for the family. Sacrificing his comfort and even sleep, he took the mother and child to place of safety.

4. At the Presentation, Joseph and Mary took the Child Jesus to the temple to consecrate Him to the Lord. By obeying the law they lived an exemplary life.

5. When Jesus was lost in the temple, Mary & Joseph showed how they loved Jesus, by searching for Him until they found Him.

6. Even though Jesus was the Son of God, He obeyed His parents.

7. Jesus grew in age and wisdom. A child should learn well, behave well and show how they fulfil the wishes of their parents. They must earn the praises of society.

8. The event at the wedding feast at Cana shows how Jesus obeys His mother and how the Holy Family helped others.

9. Mary stood at the foot of the Cross when Jesus was dying. It shows how and when a member of the family is in difficulty, we must be with them and comfort them.

10. When Jesus was dying on the cross, he gave His Mother to John, the beloved disciple. In the same way, Jesus reminds us that we must provide and care for our parents when they grow old.

Taking the Holy Family as our example,we must live in obeying God's will and according to His plan for us.

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