Reflection on Marriage following the Diocesan Mass for Marriage

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At Holy Mass we commemorated the English Martyrs, with readings on the Stoning of St Stephen and the coming persecution of the saints. While at first glance these readings did not seem to have much to say to us about marriage, a deeper reading reveals the kind of love that is necessary for couples to maintain a relationship that will face many struggles and oppositions: that of sacrificial love.

We see this love in the first Covenant God made with His people, Israel, but it is especially apparent in the New Covenant. Through Christ’s Life, Death and Resurrection, God has solemnly bound Himself to His Church, with the promise that He will never forsake us. And His love is not dependant on ‘terms & conditions!’ God’s Covenant in Jesus Christ – which is offered totally and irrevocably – acknowledges our great dignity as people created in His image.

Setting out his vision for Christian marriage, St Paul writes to the Ephesians: “Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church.” (Eph 5:25) And how did Christ love the Church? Paul adds immediately: by giving Himself up for her. The language of sacrifice and covenant is exactly fitting for this union between a man and a woman, who seek to embody the love of God in this Sacrament. Sadly, we don’t live up to this high standard in so many areas of our lives, and marriage is no exception. 

A question for us all, in whatever Vocation we have been called to is: how will we respond to the sacrificial love of God which is offered for our salvation – and how will that influence the way we show love to others?

Paul Northam, Diocesan Advisor for Evangelisation & Discipleship (with Marriage & Family Life)