Please Give Us Space

One time I had a chance to act as witness-sponsor to a wedding. It was a ceremony done inside a church at around four o'clock in the afternoon. It was officiated by a singing priest who was all the time trying hard to be cute.

During the homily the priest explained the different symbolisms of everything used during the rite. Emphasis was on the veil and the cord, which were supposed to keep the couple united and at ease with each other as one.

When communion time came the priest gave the new couple the chance and special privilege to offer to each other the Eucharist and to help each other drink from the cup. I noticed that because of the veil and the cord the spouses found it difficult to help each other as if they were moving in a very crowded place.

A similar symbolism was repeated during the reception when the spouses, after crossing their arms while holding their cups drunk their champaign uneasily. There were too many awkward movements when two people were held too close to one another. Difficulties follow every attempt to do anything.

There must be easier and more practical symbolism for unity that must be the pattern to follow afterwards. I just hope that some priest will realize this and suggest a kind of symbolism that could be more applicable in real life. After all the couple is expected to live together for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health...'till death do them part. Let us give them space for a harmonious existence.