As a young man marries a virgin, your Builder shall marry you; and as a bridegroom rejoices in his bride so shall your God rejoice in you. – Isaiah 62:5
It’s no surprise that Jesus performs His first sign in the Gospel of John at a wedding (John 2:1-11). There is rich marriage imagery in the Bible from Genesis to Song of Songs to Isaiah. It continues through the Gospels and epistles and culminates in Revelation. The idea of God marrying His people, Israel, and the New Israel, the Church, can be confusing. What does it mean that “your Builder shall marry you” from today’s first reading (Isaiah 62:5)?
Marriage is an analogy for the close relationship God wants to have with us. The closest relationship one can have is with his or her spouse. Spouses become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). A wife becomes part of her husband, and a husband becomes part of his wife; they are inseparably joined (see Matthew 19:6). Spouses give themselves completely to one another, just as Jesus gave us the total gift of Himself on the cross.
Jesus wants to have a deeply intimate relationship with each one of us. He wants to become part of us so that we can become more like Him. He wants us to be emotionally intimate with Him, sharing our hearts with Him in prayer. He wants to be with us like a spouse, in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.
As the Redeemer of the world, Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church. The Eucharist is the Sacrament of our Redemption. It is the Sacrament of the Bridegroom and of the Bride.
— St. Pope John Paul II, Mulieris Dignitatem
This is what His name, Emmanuel, means: God with us! Jesus is most truly with us in the Eucharist. When you receive Holy Communion, Jesus comes to be with you inside your body. Unlike most food, which becomes part of your body, Jesus in the Eucharist changes you. You become more like Jesus, not the other way around. You become part of His body, the Body of Christ, the Church (see 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 and Ephesians 5:22-33). You become one flesh with Christ: His bride.
If you’re interested in this topic, click here to read Section VII of Mulieris Dignitatem by St. Pope John Paul II.
My Jesus, help me understand the spousal meaning of redemption that You have planned from the beginning of time. I want to be Your bride, part of You, as You are part of me.
Readings for January 16, 2022: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time
- Isaiah 62:1-5
- Psalm 96:1-10
- 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
- John 2:1-11