Greetings!

The great feast of Pentecost marks the end of the Easter season and the return to ordinary time. It is also near the beginning of “wedding season,” which lasts through the beautiful days of fall. As I write this, I am reminded of a particularly beautiful line from the nuptial blessing I heard recently at a Catholic wedding. The priest extended his hands over the couple and said,

“[Father,] graciously stretch out your right hand over these your servants, we pray and pour into their hearts the power of the Holy Spirit. . .That they may share with one another the gifts of your love and, by being for each other a sign of your presence, become one heart and mind.”

Adella and I will celebrate our 43rd anniversary this summer. Since we have been involved in the Marriage in Christ seminars, we have prayed, nearly every day for the last seven years the simple prayer of unity, “God make our hearts one.” That prayer, along with a deeper awareness of and cooperation with the Holy Spirit has been transformative for us. By that I mean, I am beginning to understand the depth and power of the nuptial blessing.

I asked myself the question, how is she a sign of God’s presence for me? I made a list. I saw God: 

• in the tender way she washed my fingers after hand surgery
  
• in her great love, patience and joy as she planned for and then cared for our grandchildren when we had them for the weekend
  
• in her ceaseless care for our children, even now that they are adults
  
• in her tireless care for her friends
  
• in her great compassion for a sister with special needs
  
• in the way she prays for our unity each day
  
• in the fact that she goes to sleep with me and wakes up at my side every day. 

Her friendship, her love, her service, her joy, her patience, and her kindness are the Lord’s too.

Pray for each of the young couples who are beginning this wonderful adventure during this “wedding season.” Consider giving them a gift of attending a MIC seminar. It will help them establish good habits and develop relationships with other couples and the Holy Spirit. They shouldn’t wait to experience their own Pentecost lived out in extraordinary power, in ordinary married life in Christ.

Bill Wacker
Director