More than the after party and the little romantic details of the wedding, my fiancé and I looked forward to receiving the Sacrament of Matrimony and the nuptial mass.  We wanted it to be special and solemn, so I really took time handpicking the readings and even the songs during mass.

For the First Reading, we chose a passage from the Book of Joshua.  When I first heard of this bible reading, I was inspired to dream of building a family that will serve the Lord.  “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”

Joshua 24: 1-2a, 15-17, 18b
Joshua gathered together all the tribes of Israel at Shechem, summoning their elders, their leaders,
their judges, and their officers.
When they stood in ranks before God,
Joshua addressed all the people:
“If it does not please you to serve the LORD,
decide today whom you will serve,
the gods your fathers served beyond the River
or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are now dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.”
But the people answered,
“Far be it from us to forsake the LORD
for the service of other gods.
For it was the LORD, our God,
who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, out of a state of slavery.
He performed those great miracles before our very eyes and protected us along our entire journey
and among the peoples through whom we passed.
Therefore we also will serve the LORD, for he is our God.”

We chose a Responsorial Psalm that is filled with rejoicing. It’s one of the psalms I was privileged to sing during Easter Sunday masses. The music was composed by my brother.

Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad.

Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good,
for his mercy endures forever.
Let the house of Israel say,
“His mercy endures forever.”

The right hand of the LORD has struck with power;
the right hand of the LORD is exalted.
I shall not die, but live,
and declare the works of the LORD.

The stone which the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone.
By the LORD has this been done;
it is wonderful in our eyes.

For the Second Reading, we picked something from the first letter of Paul to the Philippians.  I’ve personally admired St. Paul’s writings because of their clarity and sincerity. And most of the time, they seem to be related to the things I go through. This passage is one of my all-time favorites. 🙂

Philippians 4: 4-9
Rejoice in the Lord always. I shall say it again: rejoice!
Your kindness should be known to all. The Lord is near.
Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.
Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.
Then the God of peace will be with you.

For the Gospel Reading, we chose the simple but meaningful gospel re. The Beatitudes.

Just a tip on brides-to-be, make sure to have your chosen readings approved by the priest who will solemnize your wedding. 🙂