Chrysostom
Beloved of All
It is good and right to desire a suitable partner in life, for marriage was established by God from the beginning for mutual help, the procreation of children, and a safeguard against fornication. Yet I must urge both you and his parents not to delay this union out of a love for money, waiting until a large income is secured. Many fathers ruin their sons by such postponement; the young man, despairing at the long delay, easily falls into wantonness. While the fire of desire is strong but has not yet become a blaze, lead him quickly toward a chaste marriage. If he finds a bride who knows only him in the body, then his affection will be fervent and ordered rightly, the marriage bed undefiled, and the home filled with blessing. The root of so much evil in these matters is greed, but a parent’s true care is for the soul’s purity, not riches.
As you seek, let hope steady your hearts like an anchor, sure and steadfast. The sea of this life is full of storms and contrary winds, yet hope enters into the inner place behind the veil and holds the soul from being dashed against despair. Remember the parable of the great king who prepared a marriage feast for his son; though many refused and made light of it, his invitation remained extended with long-suffering. So too, our Lord invites us to trust His provision, not as though He were slow, but as one who desires holiness in the bridegroom. Therefore, let the young man cultivate virtue in his own soul first, ruling his passions and keeping his own house in godly order, for he who cannot govern himself will scarce govern a family. And the parents should seek a wife not of vain display, but one who is sober, modest, and given to good works, for such a woman will be a true helpmeet and not fuel for indecency.
Persecutions and trials there will be, for all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer affliction. Yet these are light and momentary when weighed against the eternal marriage feast that awaits. I shall add my prayers to yours, asking the Lord who brought Eve to Adam to guide this only son to a godly spouse, so that together they may serve Christ without distraction and become heirs of the kingdom.
As you seek, let hope steady your hearts like an anchor, sure and steadfast. The sea of this life is full of storms and contrary winds, yet hope enters into the inner place behind the veil and holds the soul from being dashed against despair. Remember the parable of the great king who prepared a marriage feast for his son; though many refused and made light of it, his invitation remained extended with long-suffering. So too, our Lord invites us to trust His provision, not as though He were slow, but as one who desires holiness in the bridegroom. Therefore, let the young man cultivate virtue in his own soul first, ruling his passions and keeping his own house in godly order, for he who cannot govern himself will scarce govern a family. And the parents should seek a wife not of vain display, but one who is sober, modest, and given to good works, for such a woman will be a true helpmeet and not fuel for indecency.
Persecutions and trials there will be, for all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer affliction. Yet these are light and momentary when weighed against the eternal marriage feast that awaits. I shall add my prayers to yours, asking the Lord who brought Eve to Adam to guide this only son to a godly spouse, so that together they may serve Christ without distraction and become heirs of the kingdom.
