Today Paul talks about the relationship of marriage. Though our world has changed much over 2000 years, the heart of Paul's message remains true today.

Husbands and wives are to have mutual respect for each other. Wives are to submit to husbands as the Church submits to Christ. Husbands are to love and care for their wives as Christ loves the Church. This relationship is not one-sided; each spouse has a responsibility. Each person seeks the well-being of the other. This is not an easy ideal to live out. It involves much service and sacrifice.

Each person in the marriage giving 50 percent sounds logical, but Paul is calling for something more profound. Each person is called to give the whole of themselves as a gift to the spouse. This is risky. Love is risky. When husbands and wives dare to care this deeply for each other, they reflect the love between Christ and the Church.

The Kingdom of God is like this too. The tiny mustard seed becomes a tree where many birds have space to perch. In the Kingdom of God, people are not self-centred; they care and have compassion for others. They notice the needs of others and make space for them. This is love.