Today, November 18, is Margaret’s and my 28th wedding anniversary. In honor of her putting up with me for so many years and for the privilege it has been and continues to be to have her in my life, I thought I might share today some thoughts on the Sacrament of Matrimony from Pope Francis. He offers a wonderful reflection on marriage as an icon of the Holy Trinity and wise counsel on prayer and worship together.

I love you, Margaret! Happy anniversary, and here’s to many more years together!

“When a man and a woman celebrate the sacrament of marriage, God, so to speak, is ‘mirrored’ in them, He marks them with His features and the indelible character of His love.”

Even God “is a communion of the three persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who live forever and are forever in perfect unity. And this is the mystery of marriage: God makes one existence of the two spouses – the Bible says ‘one flesh’ – in the image of His love, in a communion which draws its origin and its strength from God.”

“The real ‘wedding gift’ is this: Your marriage is a reflection of the Holy Trinity, and with the grace of Christ, you are a living and credible icon God and His love.”.. “The plan that is inherent in the Sacrament of Marriage is truly wonderful! It takes place in the simplicity and also the fragility of the human condition. We know the many trials and difficulties that the lives of a married couple encounter… The important thing is to keep alive the link with God, which is the basis of the marital bond.”

“You don’t need to call the United Nations to your home to make peace: a small gesture is enough, a caress, and tomorrow is a new day.”

“How much we need to go to pray in our families! At the beginning and at the end of the day, before meals, at such times and in the most delicate passages of life… We can rediscover the Rosary, which helps us feel the presence of Mary, Queen of the family and model, along with her husband Joseph, for every family… At the centre, then, can only be the celebration of the Eucharist, lived together, on Sunday: there, from the table of the Word and the Body of Christ, the bride and groom draw the strength to love each other, help each other, and forgive each other in everyday life. In this regard, a special thought should be reserved for married couples who find themselves in difficulty, so that God can help them with His love and fill them with His mercy. Dear friends, we thank the Lord for the many families who continue to animate our Christian communities, providing a precious service and a strong testimony of faith.”

Be Christ for all. Bring Christ to all. See Christ in all.