Rejoice in the Lord Always!

I have had many blessings of serving Christ and His Church for nine years as a priest in the Diocese of Portland.  Clearly in my mind are the wonderful, grace-filled opportunities meeting and helping engaged couples who look forward to celebrating the Sacrament of Marriage.  My experience has been with men and women who share similar faith journeys, but in most instances, rather different life experiences as well.  I have journeyed with more than 70 couples having the honor of getting to know them better in the months preceding, and in some cases, celebrating the joyful occasion of their wedding with their family and friends.

For the wedding celebration, the Church affords engaged couples the opportunity to select Scripture passages for their wedding that speak to them, their family and friends about their own journey, about their experiences, their hopes and dreams, about their future goals as a family.  I usually veer them away from 1 Corinthians 12:1-13.  Though a lovely and beautiful passage about selfless, unconditional love, I would advise to them to carefully consider passages that they wish not only to share with their family and friends, but also ones which provide inspiration and support on their present and future journey as a couple and as they look forward to raising a family.  If they do select 1 Corinthians, that is great, but I would definitely encourage them to look closely at another…

One such passage - clearly one of my favorites - is this:  Philippians 4:4-9.  St. Paul presents these words for all those who have a sincere desire to live their faith and strive to grow closer to the Lord with each and every passing day.

Rejoice in the Lord always!  I shall say it again, rejoice!  Your kindness should be known to all.  The Lord is near.  Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.  Then the peace of God that surpasses understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is gracious, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  Keep on doing what you have learned and received and heard and seen in me.  Then the God of peace will be with you.

What great advice and wisdom we find in St. Paul!  Imagine a world where more people would take these words to heart and strive to live them every day.  This is not merely an ideal, but a model offered with which we can choose to live our lives!  For married couples, these words offer hope, encouragement and life as they strive to deepen their love and commitment to God, to one another, to their family and friends. 

Rejoice in the Lord always!  Be kind!  Pray! Trust in God!  Seek the peace that comes from knowing God and be open to discover the rich blessings that come from seeking and trusting in Him!  Live the virtuous life!  Live a long and happy life with one another and with Him!  When we open our hearts and minds to the goodness of God, we are given opportunities to look beyond ourselves and see His grace.  The divine life which God offers us penetrates the core of our very being, thus enabling us to love unconditionally and find true joy and happiness by living, loving and growing into closer union with Him!

By Fr. Kevin Martin

Fr. Kevin Martin is the Parochial Vicar, St. Michael's Parish, Augusta.