SACRAMENTAL MARRIAGE: GRACE BRIMMING OVER
“Christian tradition has often seen in Christ's presence at the wedding feast in Cana a proof of the value God places on marriage. ‘Our Saviour went to the wedding feast,’ writes St Cyril of Alexandria, ‘to make holy the origins of human life.’”
-St. Josemaría Escrivá, Marriage: A Christian Vocation, Christ is Passing By
Our parish is blessed in so many ways. Among them is our Pre-Cana Marriage Formation and the annual gathering of a cohort of couples to prepare for the Sacrament of Holy Matrimony. This weekend we host our first of three mini-retreats for the approximately fifteen couples who will be married throughout the coming calendar year. As our Gospel this Sunday speaks of the first public sign of Jesus performed at the Wedding Feast at Cana, it is a fitting occasion to ponder the gift of marriage—not only for those who are married, but indeed for all of us, as well as for our young people who need to think about marriage not just as a default but as a true path to holiness. The Spanish priest St. Josemaría Escrivá ,1902-1975, goes on in his pondering of the gift of marriage in the above quoted homily on Marriage: A Christian Vocation,
“When I think of Christian homes, I like to imagine them as being full of the light and joy that were in the home of the holy family. The message of Christmas is heard in all its forcefulness: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will." "And may the peace of Christ triumph in your hearts," writes the Apostle. It is a peace that comes from knowing that our Father God loves us, and that we are made one with Christ. It results from being under the protection of the Virgin, our Lady, and assisted by St Joseph. This is the great light that illuminates our lives. In the midst of difficulties and of our own personal failings, it encourages us to keep up our effort. Every Christian home should be a place of peace and serenity. In spite of the small frustrations of daily life, an atmosphere of profound and sincere affection should reign there together with a deeprooted calm, which is the result of authentic faith that is put into practice.”
St. Josemaría speaks of the fullness of the capacity of Sacramental Marriage to reveal God’s presence. It is also the place where couples discover the call to fruitful self-gift:
“For a Christian marriage is not just a social institution, much less a mere remedy for human weakness. It is a real supernatural calling. A great sacrament, in Christ and in the Church, says St Paul. At the same time, it is a permanent contract between a man and a woman. Whether we like it or not, the sacrament of matrimony, instituted by Christ, cannot be dissolved. It is a permanent contract that sanctifies in cooperation with Jesus Christ. He fills the souls of husband and wife and invites them to follow him. He transforms their whole married life into an occasion for God's presence on earth.”
Although marriage is not easy, truly all the best things in life are demanding. Marriage is an invitation to receive many graces. Our Pre-Cana couples are embarking on a challenging but rewarding adventure. You can read the full text of this outstanding homily here: https://escriva.org/en/ es-cristo-que-pasa/marriage-a-christian-vocation/
Let’s commit to praying for our engaged couples and for our married couples alike. Let’s also pray for those who have experienced immense challenges or brokenness in marriage as well as for those who have been widowed. Lastly, let’s pray for our young people.
-Fr. Howe