Amidst the busyness and challenges of everyday life, marriage can sometimes begin to be viewed as mundane. The letter to the Ephesians, however, reminds us of the sacred nature of this relationship.

A marriage is to be based on nourishing love and mutual sharing. Scripture does not pretend that this is easy. The model to be imitated is a challenging one - Christ's own self-giving love. It takes generosity and even courage for a spouse to give time, energy and one's very self to the other. After all, there is no guarantee that this love will be returned. There is only trust. Marriage means being vulnerable to the other. Through this relationship of trust, however, something beautiful is born.

The relationship between husband and wife points to the relationship between Christ and the Church. They are both intimate unions that involve vulnerability and lead to life.

Every couple has a unique story of how they first met. It is the beginning of an on-going mystery. Today we, as Church, are reminded that we are part of a story that also calls for trust and self-giving. Christians are called to spend time with Christ, share our fears and hopes with him, listen to him, be nourished by him and - in vulnerability - give like him.