Priceless Gems

I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me. I preferred her to scepter and throne, and deemed riches nothing in comparison with her, nor did I liken any priceless gem to her; because all gold, in view of her, is a little sand, and before her, silver is to be accounted mire. Beyond health and comeliness I loved her, and I chose to have her rather than the light, because the splendor of her never yields to sleep. Yet all good things together came to me in her company, and countless riches at her hands.

This reading from the Book of Wisdom is one I might consider for a wedding homily in addition to the usual choices that have lost some of their impact due to overuse.  This one is what the groom should be saying about the bride.  He should be mindful that she is chosen over light, and her splendor never fades even in sleep.  All gold is just a little sand and silver just mire in comparison to her.

Then Mark begins with:  "As Jesus was setting out on a journey, a man ran up, knelt down before him, and asked him, "Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Jesus answered him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good but God alone. You know the commandments: You shall not kill; you shall not commit adultery; you shall not steal; you shall not bear false witness; you shall not defraud; honor your father and your mother." 

These commandments fit well with the aftermath of weddings filled with joy.   Marriage is hard.   So, men, we must be mindful: do not kill your wife’s spirit through neglect; do not betray your wife by committing adultery; do not steal her happiness; do not lie to her, do not cheat her of love and attention; and honor her like your father and mother.

Always remember we preferred her to scepter and throne.  She will always be a priceless gem – unless we foolishly devalue her worth by breaking the commandments and the oath we have sworn before God.

Deacon David Pierce