The Wedding 

“Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding feast of the lamb.”  (Rev 19: 9) 

   Throughout Holy Scripture the relationship between God and His people is compared to Holy Matrimony.  The Song of Solomon speaks eloquently of the love between a man and a woman.  The analogy is intended to reflect the loving relationship that should exist between God and His people.

   In marriage we vow that we will be faithful “for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.”  The marital relationship is to be one of self-sacrifice, of love of the other with no concern for self.  We do not love in order to be loved; we love because we are loved.  The depth of love in a truly sacramental marriage is as close as we can come to the love God has for us.

   Marriage is intended to be forever, “until death do us part”.  Sadly, far too many end not because of death, but because we allow self to enter into the marriage.  Love becomes a bargaining chip to be used to get what we desire rather than the good of the other.  Our own selfishness deprives us of the only thing that has true value, honest and giving love.

   In God’s love there is no self, only the other.  He doesn’t need our love but loves because He is God and God is love.  If we strive to love as He loves, in total giving for the good of the other our marriages will be stronger and will not end for selfish reasons.  If we strive to love as He loves our relationship with God will begin to approach the perfection that can only be realized in heaven. 

We are invited to the wedding of the Lamb.

We are intended to be His bride.

His love is eternal and pure.

Open our hearts that we may return such love. 

Amen