Thought of the Day 05.29.08

“And by the power vested in me by God and the State of Arizona, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.” These very interesting sentences finish most weddings, at least the ones done in this state. But consider all being said here. People have neither the power to make marriage nor the permission to act as if they are married without the endorsement of a substantial authority.

For many people, the notion that someone must grant them permission to do such things will seem antiquated. Yet these phrases simply acknowledge that such permission does in fact come from God (who makes two persons one flesh) and government (which certifies the union). And even though people often behave as if they don’t need such permission, the fact that they seek official recognition of their status means that something deep inside them knows that they actually do.

And in an age where people have fallen under the delusion that power and authority flow from personal preference, a marriage ceremony might remind us that this is not really the case.