There is a Love eternal in the heavens which is the source of all things seen and unseen. This Love created everything and loves everything, especially those made in the image of Love. Since it is the nature of Love to give itself to the beloved, the beings created in the image of Love are complimentary—as they give themselves to each other in love they become one. Originally, the Lover and beloved danced together in a harmony of giving and receiving love. Each thrilled and rested in the joy and peace of knowing they were loved. Then a mysterious doubt entered the beloved’s heart, followed by insecurity and assertive pride. Hearts were wounded with fear, shame, and defensiveness. In summary, the harmony of giving and receiving love was broken by dissonant chords of selfishness. Nevertheless, the Lover continues to love the beloved, and He reveals that love in passionate ways. When the beloved felt rejected by the Lover, He professed His vows to her through His prophets:
“No more shall people call you ‘Forsaken,’ or your land ‘Desolate,’ but you shall be called ‘My Delight,’ and your land ‘Espoused.’ For the Lord delights in you and makes your land his spouse. As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you” (Isaiah 62: 4-5).
For some, it sounded too good to be true. But then He appeared at a wedding feast in Cana. Love would not let His beloved run out of the wine of love. So when the servers obeyed His word, He changed water, 120 – 180 gallons of it, into the finest wine! He was saying something more than “Let this earthly party continue.” He was saying, “Let the party of my kingdom begin!” Because the Lover has come to His beloved, “as a young man marries a virgin… and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you.”
You, Jerusalem. You, disciples of Christ. You who are reading these words. Because the purifying water of Baptism becomes the joyful wine of the Eucharist, which becomes the atoning blood of His pierced Body. And as the first woman came from the rib of the first man while sleeping, so the Church emerged from the sacraments flowing from the side of the New Man while sleeping in death (cf. Genesis 2: 21-22; John 19: 34).
Human marriage is raised to the level of a sacrament by our Divine Bridegroom. And He can think of no better way to seal His covenant of love with us than by giving himself in love for us upon the cross and in the Eucharist. For it is the very nature of Love to give itself to the beloved. There is no greater revelation of God’s passionate love for us than the crucifixion, resurrection and Eucharistic presence of Jesus. This is the way that the Lover is restoring His beloved to their original harmony. “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:9). Notice that we are called not just to a wedding, but to a marriage, a marriage that will last forever.
And this marriage remains intact when we pass through the doors of our church into the world around us. Our Bridegroom remains with us and is speaking to us every day. Let us listen to Him prayerfully, then do whatever He tells us. Like the servers in Cana, let us step out in faith and cooperate with Jesus as He continues to transform the water of people’s tears into the wine of joy.
Lord, enchant us with Your love that we may dance in harmony with You, giving and receiving love now and for evermore. Amen.