A religious sister writes in View from the Ark, in the Catholic Times, about her feelings at a wedding. Very naturally what comes to mind are prayers for blessings and graces for the married couple as they begin their journey to the horizon.
In Asia, marriage was always considered one of the most important matters in life. Many things have changed but marriage still retains this meaning. God made us out of love and made us in his image. He wanted to see the love that exists in the Trinity exemplified in the love that we humans freely share with others. We realize ourselves when we love. All have this calling to love, especially those who have been called by baptism.
Married couples show us how God loves us. God loves us who are so different from him, he respects this difference to love us. Couples are called to overcome their differences in loving. They are called to a bond of friendship.
One of the biggest problems in society is communication, we understand differences but are unable to accept one another. We need to accept the other's humanity and dignity. Families should be in the forefront in doing this. In the sacrament of matrimony we announce this love of God, protect it, and make it real. God's love is like a tabernacle that remains in the couple. "We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him"( 1 John 4:16).
Family as the basic church community is where the the first pastoral efforts are made. This should be understood by all who are sacramentally married. Love in the family is not the same love we know in the world; parents love nurtures and educates the children who in turn spread this love to others.
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