Christ, the Church, and the Meaning of Marriage

Just as a newborn child, without anyone speaking to it, immediately recognizes its parents by sight, so bridegroom and bride, without anyone joining them, exhorting them, or advising them, are bound to one another from the moment they behold each other.

Then Paul saw that this happened in Christ, and especially in the Church, and he was struck with wonder. How did it happen with Christ and the Church? Just as the bridegroom leaves his father and comes to the bride, so Christ left the Father’s throne and came to His bride. He did not call us to ascend to Him; He Himself came down to us. When you hear that He “left,” do not imagine a change of place, but His condescension. Even while He was with us, He remained with the Father.

This is why Paul says, “This mystery is great.” It is great even when it happens among human beings. But when I see it fulfilled in Christ and the Church, then I am overwhelmed; then I marvel. So after saying, “This mystery is great,” Paul adds, “but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.”

Knowing, then, how great a mystery marriage is and what a great reality it represents, do not make decisions about it casually or carelessly. Do not look merely for wealth when you are about to take a bride. Marriage should not be regarded as a commercial transaction, but as a partnership of life.