Valentine's day is right around the corner, and you all know what that means! Everything around you will be trying to lead you down the path of temptation. Decorations, candy, cards, all designed to lead us away from pure holy lives. Remaining pure and celibate can become hard at times like these when it seems as if the whole world has turned against the truest holy path. If you are capable, it is best to resist these temptations and one's own urges and remain pure it is best to do so. Spend Valentine's day in prayer and contemplation rather than out frolicking amongst those who give in to their baser urges.
“But it's hard!” you proclaim, knowing many of your friends have turned away from what is right to find romance. Love is in the air--why avoid it? Isn't there some alternative? You're in luck! If you find you absolutely cannot control yourself and you are at risk of giving in to temptation there is a way to do so without committing a sin. What is this miracle cure? Marriage! That's right: marriage, while not as spiritually fulfilling or pure as celibacy, is a way one can express one's desires without staining one's soul with sin by avoiding “illicit unions” (Or at least not as great a sin as one would have otherwise.)
There are even some benefits to marriage. According to Augustine there are in fact three “goods of marriage”. The first is children. And I have to agree! Who wouldn't want their own little bundles of joy to love and raise to be good Christians? Maybe even better than their parents! And even more importantly, marriage and procreation are arranged by God because of the social nature of humans. Having children through a blessed marriage allows us to bond with our family that hold us all together! The second good of marriage is the fidelity of the spouses who keep each other from straying and entering adulterous relationships. They mutually relieve each other's weakness within the confines of the marriage. In this there is no sin, even if the couple isn't trying to children because they keep each other happy. The third and final good of marriage is the sacramental aspect, which is the very thing that makes the union holy! It symbolizes the future unity with God!
Alright, you think. I've got you convinced. Marriage is certainly the way to go instead of giving in to the sinful temptations of Valentine's day. But how do I get married properly? Luckily we have the answer!
First there is the betrothal, which is to be consented to by both parties. Then vows are made and a ring given to the bride by the groom, along with a proper dowry. What that dowry is isn't set and can be decided by the parties involved. A contract must also be made out in the presence of those invited, documenting the marriage agreement. Which is just good sense, always get it in writing! After this you'll want to wait a little while to get everything ready. Gifts must be bought, clothing made up for the special occasion, not to mention the guest lists and finding a priest to perform the ceremony. All that takes time, but don't worry, it'll be worth it! Then the couple is brought together for the happy day.
But what to do for the wedding? Most of you probably haven't been married before, so we'll give you a step by step instruction. First you must go to the Church, pretty simple. There the couple is stationed by the priest along with offerings to God to be blessed to bless the union. That's definitely something you don't want to forget. Then the couple is blessed by the priest and receives the celestial veil! Now that the ceremony is complete the couple is free to leave the Church with crowns upon their heads. Remember to return those to the Church though, they're not yours to keep. Sadly, if this is your second marriage, the veil won't be a part of the ceremony.
But remember, all of this means nothing if not everyone agrees! Consent from all parties is what's most important otherwise it's not really a wedding!
Now I know this seems like a lot of work. And it’s a lot longer and more difficult than just going out on a date and having a night of fun. But in the end your soul will thank you. It’s the best of both worlds! Romance without sin, what more can you ask for? And think of it this way, you’ll never spend Valentine’s Day alone again!
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