In my class (on the Sacraments) we were given this poem to read, written by early Christian theologian, Tertullian, on marriage. I thought I’d share it this morning simply because in a world where much has been forgotten or distorted – our Christian faith must continue to illuminate our lives. Here, Tertullian shines the light on God’s beautiful truth, giving us a great example on the Sacrament of Matrimony and whether married or single the truth speaks to all of us and answers questions that perhaps we had floating in our minds. Good poetry and theology do that (smile), enjoy.
They are as brother and sister, both servants of the same
Master.
Nothing divides them, either in flesh or in spirit.
They are, in very truth, two in one flesh; and where there is
but one flesh there is also but one spirit.
They pray together, they worship together, they fast
together; instructing one another, encouraging one another, strengthening one another.
Side by side they visit God's church and partake of God's
Banquet;
Side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share
their consolations.
They have no secrets from one another;
They never shun each other's company;
They never bring sorrow to each other's hearts.
Unembarrassed they visit the sick and assist the needy.
They give alms without anxiety;
They attend the Sacrifice without difficulty;
They perform their daily exercises of piety without
hindrance.
They need not be furtive about making the Sign of the Cross,
Nor timorous in greeting the brethren,
Nor silent in asking a blessing of God.
Psalms and hymns they sing to one another, striving to see
which one of them will chant more beautifully the praises of
their Lord.
To such as these He gives His peace.
Where there are two together, there also He is present; and
where He is, there evil is not.
How beautiful, then, the marriage of two Christians,
two who are one in hope, one in desire, one in the way of life
they follow, one in the religion they practice.
they follow, one in the religion they practice.
They are as brother and sister, both servants of the same
Master.
Nothing divides them, either in flesh or in spirit.
They are, in very truth, two in one flesh; and where there is
but one flesh there is also but one spirit.
They pray together, they worship together, they fast
together; instructing one another, encouraging one another, strengthening one another.
Side by side they visit God's church and partake of God's
Banquet;
Side by side they face difficulties and persecution, share
their consolations.
They have no secrets from one another;
They never shun each other's company;
They never bring sorrow to each other's hearts.
Unembarrassed they visit the sick and assist the needy.
They give alms without anxiety;
They attend the Sacrifice without difficulty;
They perform their daily exercises of piety without
hindrance.
They need not be furtive about making the Sign of the Cross,
Nor timorous in greeting the brethren,
Nor silent in asking a blessing of God.
Psalms and hymns they sing to one another, striving to see
which one of them will chant more beautifully the praises of
their Lord.
Hearing and seeing this, Christ rejoices.
To such as these He gives His peace.
Where there are two together, there also He is present; and
where He is, there evil is not.
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