This year 2020 has been proclaimed as the Year of the Eucharist in the Diocese of Kalamazoo. What perfect timing for us all, and especially as married couples, to build a Eucharistic marriage. But what does that mean?
God invites us constantly, to enter into a deeper relationship with him; if only we surrender to Divine Providence daily. In the same way, when we frequent the sacraments as a couple, the Lord feeds us and nourishes us for the journey ahead and our vocation to sainthood.
When my beloved husband Tony and I were preparing to be married in the Church, the priest commended us for praying together and making time for each other every day. Armed with the enthusiasm of newlyweds, this was pretty easy to do. As we journey in our relationship, both with our spouse and with God, we have to safeguard against indifference, for indifference causes dissent. We have to believe and commit to growing together and understanding that we never stop learning about each other.
In the 32 years that we have been married, there were times when we struggled to preserve our promise to pray as a couple. Yet, as we actively listened to the heart of each other, we were able to understand the desire to be fed by love as we faced the little struggles and tremendous trials through the years.
The Holy Eucharist has always been our primary source of nourishment. Love suffers. Jesus leads the way for us to imitate and follow. As a married couple, we approach life’s struggles from the view of St. Paul: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13)
It is through the shared life in the Body of Christ and, more particularly, through a shared life in the Eucharist that marriage becomes authentic.
Building a Eucharistic marriage involves the same loving and sacrificial giving to each other as the Lord has given us in the gift of the Eucharist. We need to care for each other in mind, body and spirit. I invite you to start with just a few simple steps:
MIND: Take turns planning date nights (just the two of you). Listen more intentionally to each other’s heart. Getting to really know each other will help you celebrate the good times and be prepared for the bad times.
BODY: Exercise together; start with a simple, daily walk. Pause along the way for a brief hug or hand-holding.
SPIRIT: Take time each day to pray together and participate in the sacraments (as you are able whether onsite or virtually). Consider an annual marriage retreat or workshop.
These days where we have more time for togetherness are the perfect opportunity to strengthen your relationship and your domestic church.
May God continue to bless you on your journey.
“For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be.” — LUKE 12:34