Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States
www.suscopts.org
   A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

We are taught not to worry about earthly things but focus on spiritual things. "Seek ye first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33). In that respect, is marriage considered an earthly possession? Is it wrong to be praying about it during Lent when we are supposed to be concentrating on heaven and God?

"Seek ye first the kingdom of God" (Matthew 6:33) teaches us to set priorities. Marriage is a holy and spiritual sacrament. There should be no cause for worry especially when it is placed in God's hands. Food, clothing, or material concerns should also not interfere with our priorities. Each person is free to pray for whatever he or she feels they need. Fasting is a tool that helps redirect our attention back to God with grateful hearts affirming that whatever little we may have is far more sufficient than what we think we need. So, definitely you may pray for your marriage during the fast; but if you are asking about getting married during the fast, the teaching of the Bible and canons of the church prevent this because the ascetic spirit of fasting is different from the joyful spirit of marriage. As our Lord said to His disciples, "Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them they cannot fast" (Mark 2:19).
Home | Ask A Question | Search Q&A