The cycle of readings in scripture takes its selection from the new testament of Paul’s epistle to the Ephesians chapter 5 in regard to the symbolic relationship of a husband being head of his wife just as Jesus Christ is head of the church. As such, a husband’s role is to care for his spouse through selfless acts of love and acknowledgement just as the wife is to do the same.
“A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh” is a great passage from Paul. The mystery of the hypostatic union of God becoming man in the person of Jesus is comparable of when man and woman create a life through a sacred act of love. The Sacrament of matrimony is also a covenant moment where the two become one in the eyes of God and the church.
It is oftentimes easy to let the newlywed experience become a thing of the past and let that love dwindle. The promises of fidelity, chastity and selfless sacrifice should always be the ultimate goals of any marriage. As a Christian married man, I have oftentimes fallen short in such commitments to my wife. It is only by ridding myself of the sins of pride, selfishness and other desires that weaken the marriage bond that make a marriage work. I take solace in acknowledging that Jesus is the perfect bridegroom example. The ultimate mission of marriage is to lead each other to heaven with our loving God. May the Lord bless all married couples as they seek to model the sacred gift that is symbolic of Christ being head of His church.
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