A Wedding Homily

I visited Cana in Galilee a few years ago as part of our Holy Land Pilgrimage.  We stopped at the Church of the Wedding at Cana. This is where the miracle of turning water into wine took place. I saw those jars that they filled with water that turned into wine. It was Jesus’s first miracle before he began his public ministry. Since then, the Gospel about the wedding feast has become my favorite Gospel for a wedding.  The most important message is Jesus loves couples. He cares for them. He protected them from embarrassment and other consequences of the situation. Can you imagine running out of wine or food at your reception?

This also reflects our life in general. Sometimes, we run short of important things to flourish in life. We may run short of money. We may lack strength and inspiration to move forward. Our patience might wear thin. We may run short of forgiveness needed to keep us together and sustain our love and friendship.

Our faith in Jesus is important because our faith sustains us. In my ministry, I have met many people who encounter difficulties.  They turn to God and allow God to play a vital role in their lives and feel at peace.  It is not necessary to find the answers to life’s questions.  What is essential is to find God, and He fills what we need to the brim.  

To the couple, you are here today to celebrate one of the most beautiful chapters in your life.  You begin this chapter in front of the altar of the Lord. You begin by receiving the Holy Eucharist as a couple together. You begin by inviting the Lord to accompany you in your marital journey.  You begin in prayer.  You set the first tone that will guide you in your marriage.  You put Jesus first above all things.

So, let me focus on one message: Cover your marriage with prayers.

How do we do it? Start your day, end your day with a prayer, and come to Mass on Sundays. Pray together every night. Pray before you eat; just pray.

Sometimes you don’t have the energy to pray. You may be tired or busy. Just stop and present yourself to God. Allow God to transform you.  When you have children, the first thing you teach them is how to pray. Invite Jesus to your home.

Prayers guard your home against the enemy. They give you a Divine perspective on things. Prayers slowly transform you to work on things that last forever, and that truly matter in life. Prayer prevents you from chasing the material that disappears like bubbles. Knowing that the Lord cares for you prevents you from worrying too much. Most often, the mental stress caused by so much worrying tears us down and breaks relationships.  Couples who recognize those things that last and are for God find genuine happiness and fulfillment in life.  They become stronger.

Lastly, prayer brings you closer to the heart of Jesus.  It makes you more forgiving.  Marriage is a union of two imperfect people with different stories and characteristics. You need a lot of forgiving to do in marriage to heal your imperfections as husband and wife.

To all of us gathered here to support the couple, the Lord heals us. This healing allows us to continue supporting one another. If we fail, remember that the Lord constantly replenishes us. He gives us another chance to grow fuller as a person and to find love that is genuine.  Let us continue to be present for one another. Our fidelity to God and our friendship help remind each one of us of the beauty of life. It is worth living.

To the couple, we pray, support, and celebrate your marriage. If you encounter challenges down the road, take a moment to sit down together. Remind each other of the beauty of this day, your wedding day. Invite Jesus to be the center of your relationship and your future home. I am confident He will walk with you to transform hardship into joy the way He turned water into fresh wine during the wedding feast at Cana.