Saint Ephrem, Deacon and Doctor of the Church
However many are the promises of God, their Yes is in him. (2 Corinthians 1:20)
Just how many are the “many” promises of God? Some diligent readers have counted thousands of promises found in the Scriptures.
Today’s first reading hints at one promise of God that speaks to us with an unmistakable tenor of joy. Paul even takes it up later in this same letter. Intrigued? It’s his promise that one day, the Church will be ushered into the greatest wedding celebration of all time—as the bride of Christ.
Paul wrote of us, the Church, as being betrothed to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:2). When Jesus ascended, he poured his Spirit into our hearts as a first installment of this immense blessing. The Bridegroom may tarry briefly, but one day he will return, and the Father will present us to him, as all of heaven joins in our wedding feast!
Will the Lord find a beautiful bride when he returns? Reflecting on the plight of our seven billion “neighbors,” many of whom haven’t yet found their place in the Church, it’s clear that there’s a lot of work to do. This is certainly a busy “engagement” season! And so many have joyfully responded by offering their lives to work alongside the Lord in this challenging yet beautiful endeavor.
You, too, have a personal stake in this promise of marriage. When the Holy Spirit first came to dwell in you, it was as if you received your engagement ring. Now, as you look forward to that glorious day of celebration, you can also look outward and consider how you can help other people join you as part of that beautiful bride. We all belong to each other, and we all belong to Christ. He wants all of us to be with him forever, and he is asking you to prepare for that day by bringing more people to him.
Does a bride consider her wedding preparations a drudgery? Of course not, and neither should you. As you serve God and share his good news, don’t forget to rejoice. Remember that Jesus is faithful to his promises, especially his wedding promises. The best is yet to come! Heaven lies ahead. As beautiful as this life is, this is only the foretaste of great things to come.
“Jesus, give me the grace to build your Church.” Amen!
Psalm 119: פ (Peh)
129 Your instruction is a wonder;
this is why I follow it.
130 Your words are a doorway that lets in light,
giving understanding to the thoughtless.
131 My mouth is wide open, as I pant
with longing for your mitzvot.
132 Turn to me, and show me your favor;
in keeping with [your] judgment for those who love your name.
133 Guide my footsteps by your word;
don’t let any kind of sin rule me.
135 Make your face shine on your servant,
and teach me your laws.
Matthew 5:13 “You are salt for the Land. But if salt becomes tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except being thrown out for people to trample on.
14 “You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Likewise, when people light a lamp, they don’t cover it with a bowl but put it on a lampstand, so that it shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they may see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.
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