The Rite of Holy Matrimony - Lessons and Sermon

Bishop Eric Menees

As we continue our examination of the 2019 Book of Common Prayer and specifically the Rite of Holy Matrimony, having last week looked at the presentation of the couple for the sacrament of marriage and the Collect, today we turn to the reading of scriptures and the sermon. I said at the outset of this study that there is a common misconception that marriage is simply about two people, nothing more and nothing less. The public reading of the Word of God stands firmly against this misconception. Whenever possible the marriage should be held in the midst of the celebration of Holy Eucharist. As a result, it is customary to have four lessons spanning the scope of the Holy Scriptures: Old Testament, Psalm, New Testament and Gospel.  When conducting the Rite of Holy Matrimony outside of the celebration of Holy Eucharist a minimum of one lesson is read but I highly recommend at least one from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament demonstrating the depth of God’s Word and the foundations of marriage as the root to societal and family life. Immediately following the reading of scripture, it is incumbent upon the celebrant to expound upon the scriptures and the importance that the Word of God plays not only in marriage in general but specifically in this marriage. As with all things important in life the Word of God gives us both lens to see the world at large and our own lives in specific. I pray you every blessing this Lord’s Day!

The Lessons  One or more of the following passages is read. Genesis 1:26-28 (Male and female he created them) Genesis 2:4-9, 15-24 (A man holds fast to his wife and they become one flesh) Song of Solomon 2:10-13; 8:6-7 (Many waters cannot quench love) Tobit 8:5b-8 (That she and I may grow old together) Between the Lessons, a Psalm, hymn, or anthem may be sung or said. Appropriate Psalms are 45, 67, 127, or 128. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 (Love is patient and kind) Ephesians 3:14-19 (The Father from whom every family is named) Ephesians 5:1-2, 21-33 (Walk in love, as Christ loved us) Colossians 3:12-17 (Love which binds everything together in harmony) 1 John 4:7-16 (Let us love one another, for love is of God) Matthew 5:1-10 (The Beatitudes) Matthew 5:13-16 (You are the light . . . Let your light shine) Matthew 7:24-29 (Like a wise man who built his house on the rock) Mark 10:6-16 (They are no longer two but one) John 2:1-11 (The wedding at Cana) John 15:9-12 (Love one another as I have loved you) If Communion is to follow, a passage from the Gospels always concludes the Lessons. At a Eucharist, all stand, and the Deacon or Minister appointed says The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to ________. People Glory to you, Lord Christ. After the Gospel, the Reader says The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. The sermon