Matrimony
What does the Sacrament of Marriage reveal to us about God?
In the Scriptures the relationship between God and God's people is
often described in terms of a marriage. The early Christians, reflecting
on Christ's love for us, also used this image. Christ and the Church
embrace in mutual love and self-giving, even as do husband and wife
(see, for example, Ephesians 5:21-33). "'For this reason a man will
leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two will
become one flesh.' This is a great mystery, and I am applying it to
Christ and the church" (Ephesians 5:31-32).
In each of the sacraments a window opens and we can glimpse the
mystery of God and God's plan for the salvation of the world. In
Christian marriage we see that God was not content to be alone, but
embarked on a whole new life project. Out of love God created us and all
that is. God is faithful no matter what. Whether we are faithful or
faithless, God is faithful; whether we wander away in sin or remain in
the embrace of love, God is always there and is ever ready to embrace
us.
This sacramental sign, which the husband and wife give to each
other, they also give to the entire community of witnesses. We all have
made commitments to God and God has made commitments to us. There are
times when we wonder if God will be faithful. We have never seen God,
but we can see the fidelity of Christian husbands and wives. Their love
for each other is a sacramental sign and witness of God's love for me.
Our human lives are interconnected, like a fabric, woven together by
many commitments. The fidelity of their commitment strengthens our own
commitments.
