Marriage, the symbol of the covenant God desires to have with His people.

I just can't help but share this commentary on last weeks Gospel. I got it from the St. Paul Center for Biblical Theology. We are focusing on two upcoming weddings in our family and I am so excited for these four sons and daughters of the King entering into that covenant relationship God desires to have with His people.  God Bless their dear hearts. :)


In the mass readings last week and the week before, the imagery was royal and filial - Jesus is the newborn king of the Jews who makes us co-heirs of Israel’s promise, beloved children of God. Last week in the Liturgy we went to a Baptism.

This week, we’re at a wedding.

We’re being shown another dimension of our relationship with God. If we’re sons and daughters of God, it’s because we’ve married into the family.


Have you ever wondered why the Bible begins and ends with a wedding - Adam and Eve’s in the garden and the marriage supper of the Lamb (compare Genesis 2:23-24 and Revelation 19:9; 21:9; 22:17)?
Throughout the Bible, marriage is the symbol of the covenant relationship God desires with His chosen people. He is the Groom, humanity His beloved and sought-after bride. We see this reflected beautifully in today’s First Reading.
When Israel breaks the covenant she is compared to an unfaithful spouse (see Jeremiah 2:20-36; 3:1-13). But God promises to take her back, to “espouse” her to Him forever in an everlasting covenant (see Hosea 2:18-22).
That’s why in today’s Gospel, Jesus performs His first public “sign”. Where does he perform it? At a wedding feast.
Jesus is the divine Bridegroom (see John 3:29), calling us to His royal wedding feast (Matthew 22:1-14). By His New Covenant, He will become “one flesh” with all humanity in the Church (see Ephesians 5:21-33). By our Baptism, each of us has been betrothed to Christ as a bride to a Husband (see 2 Corinthians 11:2).
The new wine that Jesus pours out at today’s feast is the gift of the Holy Spirit given to His bride and body, the church. As the  Epistle says. This is the “salvation” announced to the “families of nations” in last week's Psalm.


God Bless you "Dear Hearts",
Debbie 

Going on Vocation in 2013

     In this, the new year of 2013, we have a hope, an excitement,and an anticipation of and new plans for the future. At our New Year's Eve get together, at about five minutes til midnight, my husband said a wonderful prayer. In addition to his words of praise and thanksgiving, he asked God to supply us with courage and strength to do His will and to unite and strengthen our families. Within the last month or so, two of our children became engaged and there was a beautiful mix of families at this years ringing in. In addition to the celebration of the new year, we are so full of joy to have two new families making two new beginnings together.

       Pope John Paul II said "The future of the world and of the Church passes through the family." At the center of the family is marriage. As two people enter into that union there is excitement and anticipation for the future. I have asked several couples who admit to having wonderful marriages that have lasted some fifty years or more “What's the secret?” None of them said, We just lucked out! Just as any business about to open wouldn't do so without a plan, a sports team wouldn't think of beginning without having a game plan, two people about to wed begin to plan for their lives together. They look at all the different components that make up married life, too many to mention here, but may include communication, expectation, your dreams for the future, resolving conflict, sex, intimacy,(two different things) financial planning and keeping prayer an important part of your marriage. I dusted off the “Perspective on Marriage” booklet that Curtis and I used in our marriage classes. Some comments we wrote in there made me laugh.. I must share one of Curt's expectations of me was to cook. I hear some of you laughing! Alright! So this year I will work harder to meet that one. I wasn't surprised to see that Curtis had met and exceeded all of my expectations. The very first exercise in the booklet was to explore each others personality traits. Something that we still love to share with people. We now recommend “Personality Plus” by Florence Littaure. This book has helped so many couples and families better understand each other. Here is a quote at the very end of that marriage booklet. “The couple who commit themselves to the long adventure of total love are a sign of faith and hope to all the community.”

      I was listening to a priest talk of the preparation he went through. First he earned a degree first, then learned 3 languages, went to school for 5 ½ more years and moved to another country and marriage preparation many times consists of a few days for a few weeks or a weekend seminar. More time often goes into planning a vacation than this vocation.

       I am so pleased to hear our newly engaged ones so enthusiastic about not only attending marriage classes, but also in their continuing effort to improve by reading. I am also so excited to be associated with so many people who commit to being lifelong learners in this LIFE business. May we all commit ourselves to that long adventure motivated by love as a sign of faith and hope to all the community. Happy New Year. Have a great 2013!

Debbie