Here is an unsolicited advice to all newly-wed couples out there.
SLAP each other.
Whaaaat?
Yes, you must slap each other.
Before you howl and reply with condemnation letters to me, allow me to explain myself.
Slapping has always been unduly vilified, portrayed in bad undertones and often associated with violence.
But the fact is slapping can be a good and positive act or be an opportunity to respond with love.
For example, if your loved one is having moaning nightmares you should use gentle slapping to wake him/her up, right? Or if someone fainted and laid unconscious, slapping is a practical way to try to wake that person up before proceeding to other life-saving measures. In both cases, the action of slapping is meant to save.
For Catholics who are receiving the sacrament of Confirmation, the officiating bishop proceeds with the symbolical slapping to welcome the Christian into the army of God. It is the culmination of the profession of faith done during Baptism. In this case, slapping is like a wake-up call that we are “as true witnesses of Christ, more strictly obliged to spread and defend the faith by word and deed.” (CCC 1285)
Biblically speaking, slapping was also used by our Lord Jesus to preach about humility. “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn your other cheek as well.” (Matthew 5:39). So the act itself maybe be negative but with humility and meekness rooted in the Lord, the response to the slapping can be liberating.
But to be more particular, allow me to break down my thoughts behind my “slapping” advice.
S – Serve each other.
Equality is not in both spouse having the same thing but in both spouse sharing what they have to make the other better.
L – Laugh together.
Laughing is always preceded by open communication and friendly discussions of family matters. A good movie laugh which means its date night.
A – Accept each other.
After marriage, according to some pundits, the masks are totally off and the gloves are absolutely on. Annoyances, irritants and shortcomings will happen and occur. But marital strain can be avoided by learning to accept each other’s frailties. As someone has beautifully put it, marriage is not a union between two perfect persons but two imperfect persons who loves and accept each other.
P – Pray together.
Every day and whatever situations you are both into, pray together. Pray as often as you can. Pray for each other and for others who are also part of your marriage life. Pray for God’s grace and mercy to accompany you both always in your chosen vocation of Holy Matrimony.
So once again, newly-weds must SLAP each other.
May you have a blissful, peaceful and memorable journey of togetherness.
God bless po.
(This article was inspired by the lovely wedding on a lovely October day of the lovely couple Merv and Kat. Congratulations to both of you!)
