Is this reading "softer" than Ephesians 5?

It carries less theological weight than Ephesians 5 but has its own substantial content: the explicit naming of forgiveness in marriage, in particular, is profound. It is gentler in register but not lighter in substance.

Does the closing reference to psalms and hymns suggest we should have lots of music?

Not necessarily. The reference is to interior gratitude that overflows into song. A wedding with quieter music can still embody what Paul is describing.

Second Reading (New Testament)

Colossians 3:12-17

"Over all these put on love"

Planning a Catholic wedding? Weeve builds a free, print-ready program with these readings plus your music, prayers, and photos. Build yours →

Scripture text (World English Bible)

Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord. Whatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father, through him.

Themes

put on love
household virtues
forgiveness
thankfulness
the peace of Christ

Reflection

Colossians 3 is one of the warmest household passages in the New Testament. Paul lists the virtues that are meant to characterize Christian life together (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness) and then says: "Over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection." For a Catholic marriage, the passage names exactly the daily texture of the vocation. Marriage is the slow, consistent practice of these virtues, woven together by love.

The reading's instruction to "forgive one another, as the Lord has forgiven you" is one of the most important lines in any wedding. Every marriage will require forgiveness: for small irritations and large hurts, for failures of love and sometimes for serious wrongs. Paul does not idealize this away; he assumes it. What he gives the couple is the source: the forgiveness you have already received from God in Christ becomes the wellspring from which you can extend forgiveness to one another. Without that source, marital forgiveness will eventually run dry.

The passage closes with thanksgiving: "be thankful... singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God." The Catholic tradition has long understood that gratitude is one of the most protective virtues in marriage. Couples who notice and name what is good (small daily kindnesses, the gift of one another) tend to weather the hard seasons better. The reading sets that habit at the very beginning of the marriage.

Best for

·Couples who want a warm, practical, household-focused reading
·Marriages where forgiveness has already been part of the relationship's growth
·Weddings with a strong music ministry: the closing reference to psalms and hymns is fitting
·Couples who appreciate the Pauline emphasis on virtue and grace working together

In the liturgy

Frequently chosen and consistently well-received. The passage proclaims well aloud and is the right length for the second reading slot. Pairs naturally with first readings from the wisdom tradition.

Pairs well with

Frequently asked questions

Is this reading "softer" than Ephesians 5?: It carries less theological weight than Ephesians 5 but has its own substantial content: the explicit naming of forgiveness in marriage, in particular, is profound. It is gentler in register but not lighter in substance.
Does the closing reference to psalms and hymns suggest we should have lots of music?: Not necessarily. The reference is to interior gratitude that overflows into song. A wedding with quieter music can still embody what Paul is describing.

Build a free Catholic wedding program

Add Colossians 3:12-17 plus your music, prayers, and photos, then download a print-ready PDF. No account needed.

Start building →