Choosing the Readings for Your Wedding Mass
/CARISSA PLUTA
Choosing the scripture readings for your wedding mass might be a surprising detail about your wedding day that needs your attention, but it can also be one of the most spiritually edifying parts of the planning process.
PHOTOGRAPHY: LAURA-ANNE SMID
According to The Order for Celebrating Matrimony, which contains the ritual text used by the celebrant, the Liturgy of the Word should express “...the importance of Christian Marriage in the history of salvation and the responsibilities and duties of Marriage to be attended to for the sanctification of the spouses and of their children…”
The readings for your mass emphasize your role as a couple in Salvation history and present a beautiful opportunity to evangelize Catholic and non-Catholic guests by highlighting the divine gift of Christian marriage.
They can also offer encouragement and support throughout your life, wisdom from God to guide you through the good and the bad closer to Himself.
But where do you even start when it comes to picking the readings for your nuptial mass?
Like any special mass, your nuptial mass will have three readings and Psalm: the First reading with the exception of the Easter Season will be from the Old Testament, the second reading from the New Testament, and then a reading from one of the four Gospels.
The Order for Celebrating Matrimony offers several options from Scripture that particularly express the importance and dignity of marriage; however, you may choose to go outside of these options, as long as at least one reading explicitly speaks of Marriage (and it’s okay with your celebrant!)
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Here are some tips for choosing meaningful readings for your Catholic wedding mass:
1. Talk to your fiancé and your celebrant
The process of choosing your wedding readings should be a cooperative one between you and your spouse first. You want your readings to reflect you as a couple and be a source of inspiration for you and your husband as you journey together toward heaven.
What readings truly speak to you? What verses played a part in our story? Which bible passages reflect the marriage we hope to have?
Communicate your thoughts and desires to your celebrant, as soon as possible. Some priests are open to other options for readings, especially if you have a good reason for wanting to include it in your wedding ceremony; while other priests may prefer to stick with the book so it is important to talk with him early in the decision-making process.
2. Don’t dismiss the challenging readings
There are several readings listed in The Order for Celebrating Matrimony that might make some listeners uncomfortable (hello, Ephesians 5:22), but don’t dismiss them out of hand.
The Word of God contains His wisdom and all of the options the Church offers for mass readings contain invaluable help for couples.
If you feel the tug on your heart to consider the less popular wedding readings, talk to your fiancé, a trusted friend, mentor couple, or priest. Sometimes, when we feel uncomfortable, we might be recognizing places in our hearts that need God’s light. Even if you don’t choose one of those readings, God might extend His healing or wisdom to you that will nourish your soul before you become a bride.
3. Pray with the Readings
Before choosing your wedding readings, take some time to pray with the options by using Lectio Divina or some other form of meditative prayer.
Lectio Divina is an ancient practice of immersing yourself in Scripture, opening your mind and heart to hear God’s voice. Invite the Holy Spirit into the decision-making process, and allow God to guide you.
Return to these readings frequently throughout your engagement, delving deeper into their significance and meaning as you prepare to enter your vocation.
Related: How to Pray About Your Wedding Vows Using Lectio Divina
The readings for your nuptial mass can hold so much meaning and significance for you wedding day and for the rest of your life. God desires to speak to you through His Word and will use the scriptures to draw you and your spouse closer to Him.
