“Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” – Jesus Christ, quoted by John 6:35
Recently, “Open Marriages” has been a trending topic in Japan. Civil marriages in the Philippines are on the rise as well. Many older single people have not found the “One” and many have grown tired of dating and have stopped trying altogether.
In the past, I remember my fickle heart and how easily I got tired of things. I would have crushes left and right. Once they paid attention to me, I would get tired of them. Then I would see someone more handsome, more intelligent, more charismatic to “crush” on.
Sometimes I would be so enamored by a man one day and then he would wear something I didn’t like the next day, and I would feel totally grossed out at the right of him!
I was never satisfied! This went on for most of my single life.
Today, I am truly amazed. I look at the face of my husband and my heart is just overwhelmed with joy and awe. Despite many years together, he is still the most handsome man in my eyes whose looks far surpass Brad Pitt’s by a quadrillion times.
Before, I would always run away from the affections of suitors. Now, I can never get enough of my loving husband. I am always at his side.
Before, I was never satisfied. Now, I am not only satisfied ~ the well of tender emotions and affection for him is constantly flowing like a mighty river. Year after year, I grow fonder of him. I never thought that married life could be so wonderful.
What changed?
I believe that on a natural level, we humans are not capable of being satisfied – whether it is our daily routine or relationships, we will always get tired and dissatisfied. Therefore, I can only conclude that this is SUPERNATURAL.
When my husband and I had a sacramental marriage, we received not just prayers but blessings, not just pronouncements from anyone but from a Catholic priest whose vocation was handed down by Christ himself who established the Church (for it is only the Catholic Church who was established by Jesus Christ Himself.)
There is a superabundance of grace present in sacramental marriages that I can see not only from my own but also from those I know personally.
Those who have come to Jesus – their thirst has been, thankfully, quenched.
Today’s Gospel reading at mass talks about how people wanted to make Jesus into a king because just like the universe was created out of nothing, two fish and five barley loaves fed thousands. Only God can do that. It was not the miracle of sharing ~ no one would crown you king for that. Miracles surrounded Jesus everywhere He went.
But I know the miracle He has done in me. He has changed me. I know it to be true.
Our marriage is a sign of Christ’s love for his bride, the Church. He shows us what love truly is. Not the kind that the world talks about. His love was red, not with the colors of a Valentine’s Day card but with His blood shed on the cross for us.
What a beautiful gift of love God gave each one of us!
With Christ, there is no more hunger, no more thirst. We are filled to the brim and overflowing!
“Rejoice, heavenly powers! Sing, choirs of angels!
Exult, all creation around God’s throne!
Jesus Christ, our King, is risen!
Sound the trumpet of salvation!
Rejoice, O earth, in shining splendor,
radiant in the brightness of your King!
Christ has conquered! Glory fills you!
Darkness vanishes for ever!
Rejoice, O Mother Church! Exult in glory!
The risen Savior shines upon you!
Let this place resound with joy,
echoing the mighty song of all God’s people!”
– Easter Proclamation (Exsultet)
It’s still the Easter season so HAPPY EASTER!
I bring you greetings of great JOY! I said a prayer for each of you today.
