St. John Chrysostom said,
“When husband and wife are united in marriage, they are no longer seen as something earthly, but as the image of God Himself.” My cousin got married this weekend and it was wonderful. Typically I sit through weddings yearning for my book (which is either in the car, or if Laura hasn’t won out, next to me). This was a different wedding. My cousin is older. She’s in her 40s and this was her first marriage. She’s gone through so much in her life. When I heard she was getting married, I was thrilled. When we arrived at the church, it was clear we weren’t the only ones. I remember when my dad died, how large the receiving line was and I was reminded of that when I snuck in just before the wedding began. Kell is a social worker and has been all her life. For that matter, pretty much her whole family has been involved in helping others. My uncle, a UPS man, considered his job as much a vocation, as an occupation, once received the key to the city of
Atkinson because he was so beloved by its citizens. Kelly’s weddings saw this family’s chickens come home to roost, in a positive way (to plagiarize Malcolm for the positive). People came to celebrate a woman, who despite, having gone through a lot of crap in her life, never gave up hope and always put her faith in God, loved her family, and served others. The results were awesome. Her husband Mike teared up as the priest talked up about love never giving up hope. It was clear they both had at times almost given up on the idea of finding someone and yet, this priest’s homily reminded us all that God’s time is not ours. He was this neat, cagey middle-aged ELCA priest and I dug him. The best part of the service though was the Eucharist.
After Mike and Kelly partook, they acted as servers for the rest of us. Now I’ve done intinction plenty of times. Truth be told, it’s been most meaningful at Alter thanks to one Juli Reynolds. However, there was something about this that made this experience really wonderful. My family’s side is of two traditions: Pentecostal & Catholic. Two great tastes that have definitely not gone well together. Yet at the wedding, it was awesome to see these old-time Foursquare Pentecostals standing up to take communion in line next to Catholics. I really cannot express the feeling in my heart. This little Lutheran church suddenly felt like the kingdom of God to me. My cousin was crying tears of happiness, my uncle was sweating through his tux and crying, my daughter asked if she could take communion (causing my heart to leap with joy), and I felt like I at home. For no other reason, than I was sharing the Body and Blood with my brothers and sisters as I was supposed to- across all boundaries and in celebration of the two souls becoming one. Luther originally denied seven sacraments. I don’t know if that’s still the case. I kind of hope not. I find myself leaning more and more to a Catholic understanding of marriage. It’s a sacrament. I've witnessed that in my life & feel certain that Kelly and Mike will be experiencing this theophany- this appearance of God to man
I certainly have a more catholic (small “c”) understanding of the kingdom. Seeing us together, listening to the priest, passing the peace, & finally sharing the feast, I saw us as God maybe sees us. A patchwork quilt of Pentecostals, Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, (a Harvest Bible Chapel or two) and even non-believing well-wishers. And it was good in His eyes.
