Greetings on this the Tuesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Ephesians 5:21-33; Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; Luke 13:18-21
Summary
“For this reason a man shall leave [his] father and [his] mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” What is it like? It is like a mustard seed that a person took and planted in the garden. When it was fully grown, it became a large bush and ‘the birds of the sky dwelt in its branches.’ It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed [in] with three measures of wheat flour until the whole batch of dough was leavened (Eph 5:31; Lk 13:19,21).
When I teach OCIA I refer to marriage as the “primordial sacrament“.
- It pre-dates the Church.
- It is the original archetype of divine love.
- It is the Architects blueprint of the Cosmos.
- It is conferred between the bride and groom. In the Latin Church, the Church doesn’t marry you, you marry each other and are both the minister and receiver of this sacrament.
- It ranks the highest in the order of human relationships and all vocations begin within its garden.
Reflection
Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what can I compare it? (Lk 13:18)
A good marriage.
That is what you compare it to.
- From this marriage garden comes the shelter for the people.
- From this marriage kitchen comes the bread for the people.
And you thought it was only about you two?
Personal Reflection
We are entering the season of remembrance in a few days. Remembering All Saints and All Souls.
They planted marriage gardens, and so you came to be.
You remember them in love, and so you have become that love.
Do not be afraid.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/102726.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry