St Paul also said, “If I have no love I am nothing”, yet another important caption to remember during hard times. This could remind a couple that they should try everything to make their marriage work. If they are going through a difficult patch they should always remember that they are privileged to have each other though good times and bad.
Another thing, which can influence a couple in their married life, is the actual service of marriage. During the Catholic Service of Marriage a couple express their love for each other in the presence of God and their friends and family. One of the ways of doing this is through the vows. This is a point during the ceremony when the couple verbally expresses the depth of their love for each other. The vows represent the permanence of marriage, that it is a life-long bond. The words “till death do us part” are a very important part of the vows. Another valid phrase spoken during this portion of the ceremony is “in sickness and in health”. By speaking these words in the presence of God and in Gods house the couple is showing that they are willing to accept each other as life long partners come what may.
Just as the quotation “If I have no love I am nothing” (corinthians1 13:4-8) reminds all couples that they should appreciate the fact that they have someone to love for the rest of their lives, the statements “in sickness and in health” and “till death do us part” do the same.
Another portion of the marriage service, which can help influence, a married couple is the exchanging of the rings. This act symbolises the exclusive relationship the couple has and will have for the rest of their lives. A wedding ring is a symbolic item of jewellery that is worn for the entire portion of a married person’s life. This is a reminder of the vows made to each other and the life long bond they share.
Although rings are quite simple objects they have a very blatant yet subtle symbolism about them. Merely the shape of the jewellery, circular, shows the everlasting love the two people share. As long as the couple wear their wedding bands they are constantly reminded of the life-long, life-giving bond they are joined in.
