A quarrel broke out between the relatives of the bride and groom’s sides because the catering staff “did not properly” serve drinking water to them. A wedding was called off after the bride, and groom’s relatives fought over drinking water, that was not served to latecomers at the bridegroom’s party, in Karnataka. (Deccan Herald 16 March 2025)
Watery covenant? The Bible teaches that marriage is a sacred covenant, and a man and woman become one flesh as husband and wife. (Genesis 2:24) It is not a watery covenant that would be wished or washed away.
Hospitality? It is a custom and tradition to welcome guests and offer water. In this, some members of the bridegroom party arrived late. The caterers and servers did not give them the attention they demanded with an entitlement mentality and arrogant mindset. It is not the fault of the bride or her family members. Yet, for some inflated ego, no massage is sufficient.
Hierarchical mindset: When a culture esteems male chauvinism, there will be discrimination and disparity. The husband is considered a god, but the wife is not a goddess; she is a slave or servant. Hence, the family of the bride-giver is subordinate to the family of the bride-taker. The bride-taker’s family could raise any demand, and the bride-giver should oblige.
Misdirected anger: The expectations of some of the members of the bridegroom were so high, which was not communicated, and the servers failed by such standards. Instead of getting angry with the servers, they directed their anger towards the whole family and the ultimate victim was the bride. Emotionally unhealthy people can wreck not only a ceremony but even a marriage.
Wedding at Cana: The Lord Jesus Christ and His disciples were present at a wedding in Cana. The customary wine stock ran over. Mary, the mother of Jesus, asked him to intervene. The Lord commanded the servers to fill six jars with water to the brim. Then he commanded the servers to give the guests, which had miraculously turned into the best wine. (John 2:1-11)
Do I have the right understanding of marriage?