Question
We want to get married on a beach, but my pastor won't let us. Why is the place for my wedding not my choice?
--Bummed in Brooklyn
Answer
The place or the church for sacraments and sacramentals is quite significant and symbolizes much. The church building is the building, built on living stones, the stones of faith - the people of faith who built the building and are represented in the fabric of the space. Like those who walked before you in marriage, you walk in faith, carrying the cross of Christ. You were marked with the sign of faith at baptism, with the cross on your brow. The symbolism of being at the place of baptism reminds you of your call to discipleship and your vocation in Christ. Your vocation, now as a married person, continues the call to discipleship. God's creation is represented in the building, a window, or passage to the heavenly banquet in heaven. Each liturgy, each church, is a symbol of the foretaste of heaven.