The ordination analogy -- it's a lot like marriage

A couple of things I have been thinking for a long time in addition to what I have already written about ordination. 

Sacramental presence is exemplified in the actions of being broken and poured out. Powerful imagery that is enacted daily and remembered in the Eucharist. 

The idea of "sacramental presence" is my theoretical framework ("theology of" for you seminarians out there) for Christian ministry. Ordination is, I believe, an essential aspect of this ideal. The ordination ceremony for me was the more like a wedding ceremony than other "life" event including commencements and commissioning services. This is also entirely appropriate. The Roman Catholic church recognizes seven sacraments that track a person's lifespan ((infant) baptism, (first) communion, (pentiential) reconciliation, confirmation, marriage/holy orders-ordination, anointing of the sick or "last rites").

The only sacrament not required of everyone is marriage. For some, the equivalent means of grace is entering holy orders, or ordination. As it goes with marriage, there's always the first date and first kiss, the process of dating and courtship, engagement, the wedding, and then life together in holy matrimony. Ordination should be though of as the wedding--when the union is recognized by the community, including church, family, and friends. The wedding is a highlight in this much longer practice of marriage, as many cultures put on this ritual, and can last about 20 minutes to several days.

A wedding ceremony, however, does not make people fall in love, it doesn't pro-create, it doesn't "make a covenant" happen, and it doesn't require anyone to stay together.  But, with it begins the recognition of what is happening. It does provide a means of grace necessary to make all of this stuff happen for a purpose beyond oneself. It celebrates what has and what will happen through this covenant. So, it goes with the act of ordination. This is why I get so upset when people mess with this process.

This whole bit is a response to something who messaged me this morning. Here's the conversation used with this person's permission (this person offered it, I didn't ask).

Young minister: So, I didn't grow up Nazarene. A lot of these terms are new to me. But if this is what it means to be ordained, what does the Nazarene church thinking I have been doing for 4 years WITHOUT ordination? Haven't I already done this?

Me: You're right. Ordination is the recognition that you're doing this. That's why I think the process is so convoluted

Young minister: Again, I appreciate the time you have invested. I apologize if my questions are disrespectful, but if a Nazarene church recognizes that I'm doing it, and hires me to do so, why isn't that ordination enough?

Me: Lots of stuff I didn't put into the post that I've been thinking. Ordination the act is like the wedding ceremony as part of the dating-engagement-marriage process of two people's covenant together.

Young minister: That's definitely the best way I've ever heard it put.

ok....why SO much work then? like, sure a wedding is a lot of work to prepare for, hence the engagment.

also, a lot of things change once the wedding takes place: the status of the relationship changes GREATLY.

but the day after I'm ordained, my status and responsibility in God's work is exactly the same as it was before, right?
I gotta head out (preaching this morning LOL) Thank you for taking the time to talk to me. It really means a lot. Anything you can share on the above would be incredibly appreciated.

Me: It's just that your status and responsibility is recognized worldwide within the full communion of God's church.