The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: Ephesians 5:22-33 // Psalm 138

“The mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the Church.”
Ephesians 5:32

True Fidelity

In Ephesians 5, St. Paul gives a beautiful, Christological description of holy marriage. Husbands are to love their wives as Jesus, who was willing to die for His bride, loved the Church. Wives are to submit to their husbands as the Church submits to Christ, that is, as the Church relies, trusts, and depends on Christ, the Bridegroom. But suddenly, in the midst of this wonderful picture of marriage, St. Paul says these cryptic words: “this mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.” All of the talk about holy marriage is first a talk about Christ and His Church.
Christ is our Bridegroom, and we, as part of the Holy Christian Church are His Holy Bride. He is utterly faithful in all things, even willing to go to a brutal death for us. Jesus will never leave us. He will never forsake us. And one day, we will most certainly live together with Him forever.

Oh Jesus, the Faithful Bridegroom, when my last hour comes, do not forsake me, but love me forever. This I humbly beg You for the sake of Your holy name. Amen.

August 30, 2009