It’s not about the Wedding, it is about the Marriage.

Many years ago, when I picked out my wedding dress, my mom and dad were the only ones present. Today, things are done a little differently. My granddaughter invited me, along with her mom, sisters, the mother of the groom and his grandmother, to be present when she tried on wedding dresses. It was quite interesting to see her personality come out and to listen to her as she voiced her preferences and shared her plans. She wanted everyone’s opinion as to their best choice. She wanted us to be a part of the wedding from the beginning.

I heard the salesperson talking to her while she tried on the different dresses. I do not know what the conversation was about, but I heard Alex say, “It is not about the Wedding; it is about the Marriage”. And I thought how true that statement was. The Wedding lasts one day and we do put a lot of effort into making it a special day, as we should. But the Marriage will last for a very long time and the effort we put into it will mold the structure of our lives together.

At the Wedding Feast at Cana, Jesus helped when He was told the wine was running out. I don’t think He was only worried that the guests would not get enough to drink, or would have to go home a day early because there was no more wine. I think He wanted to help the couple and their parents out of a difficult situation. I think Jesus showed that He was “there for them” in times of celebration or need. 

What happened in Cana 2,000 years ago, happens today at every wedding celebration: that which makes your wedding full and profoundly true will be the presence of the Lord who reveals himself and gives his grace. It is his presence that offers the 'good wine', he is the secret to full joy, that which truly warms the heart.  

Jesus’ relationship with us and with His Church is sometimes compared to a Marriage Covenant. Maybe the wedding part, the Mass, the Vows, the celebration with friends and family, is the outward sign, visible to others, that shows the desire to pledge our lives and love to another. The Sacrament of Matrimony, witnessed by many, is our covenant with Jesus when the two become one and we become one with Jesus.
 
When the Catholic Church teaches that marriage is a covenant, it is using an ancient and rich biblical concept to describe how God’s steadfast and exclusive love for his people is a model for the loving union of a married couple. But also, in daily acts of kindness, service, mutual love and forgiveness couples are called to imitate, however imperfectly, the unconditional love which Christ offers to us. https://www.foryourmarriage.org/marriage-as-covenant/

Celebrate your engagement. Celebrate your marriage. Celebrate special friendships. Celebrate the years you were able to share with your spouse. Celebrate your relationship with Jesus.

Happy Valentine’s Day……….Kathy Rowell