April 6, 2018 at 1:53 p.m.
PERSPECTIVE
Holding hands: a wedding homily
Holding hands: a wedding homily
Years ago, it was not uncommon for a young man desiring marriage to seek out his true love's father for his permission to take his daughter's hand in marriage. The custom seems outdated, even ridiculous, to us who live in the 21st century. It seems to give the father veto power over his daughter's choice of a suitable mate for life.
Nevertheless, I'd like to share my thoughts with one couple whose hands, in a few moments, will be joined in marriage.
"I Wanna Hold Your Hand," a popular song recorded by the Beatles and written by Paul McCartney and John Lennon, reflects a more innocent time when merely holding the hand of a boy or girl could have a marvelous effect on the human soul. Who can forget the lyrics, "And when I touch you, I feel happy inside; it's just a feeling that, my love, I can't hide?"
Even in our highly-technological culture, holding hands is a sign of affection and human warmth. It's a sign of bonding and solidarity -- especially when people are united in a particular cause, such as human rights.
Holding hands is a sign of mutual support. The refusal to grasp another person's hand can be a painful sign of rejection, even hostility.
Today, two hands will be joined in marriage by the Lord Himself. It seems as if He wants something in return from the young couple: "I want to hold your hands!"
God wants to accompany them in their journey as a married couple. He does not want them to walk alone. He wants to speak to them, to share their life!
How must they respond to the Lord's invitation? The words of an African-American hymn come to mind: "Precious Lord, take my hand; lead me on; let me stand. I am tired; I am weak; I am worn. Through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord; lead me home!"
A newly-married couple should look intently at the hands of Christ. They are strong, calloused, bruised. His hands bear the marks of His passion and death. Are we at all surprised by the request of the doubting Apostle, Thomas, who demanded to see the hands of the crucified Lord on the evening of His resurrection? "Unless I see the mark of the nails in His side," said Thomas, "I will not believe" (Jn 20:25).
Christ used His hands to heal the sick, comfort those in mourning and perform many miracles. His hands are worthy of a married couple's devotion and reverence.
My dear young people, if Christ desires to join His hands to yours, please do not let go of them. His strong hands will be your greatest support in your marriage.
In time, the hands of this young, attractive couple will show the marks of old age. In all honesty, the time allotted to us by our Lord is brief. At the end of our days, God will not ask us to show Him our academic degrees, bank accounts and the awards we attained in our mortal life; He will ask to see our hands.
How have we used our hands? A Christian couple must use their hands not only for the benefit of each other, but also for the larger community in which they live.
As the priest who is privileged to witness this young couple's marriage in Christ, I can only repeat the memorable words of Lennon and McCartney: "I want to hold your hand." I consider my role in blessing their marriage to be an extraordinary gift I shall not soon forget.
I hope to see them again holding hands as a newly-married couple in our church whenever the Eucharist is celebrated -- and, just as importantly, on the day of their first child's baptism.[[In-content Ad]]
250 X 250 AD
250 X 250 AD
Events
250 X 250 AD
Comments:
You must login to comment.