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(Name) and (name), you haven't exactly had what would be called a whirlwind romance. Now all those years of courtship and months and months of preparation are being distilled into these brief but precious moments, which comprise your wedding day.

What do you say to a young couple who are deeply in love but who are still largely innocent of the demands of love? What do you say to two dear young people who know the joy of a close relationship, but who have yet to deal with the frictions which the intimacy of marriage brings? I know you want, more than anything else, to have a happy marriage. That's the way it should be. But how will the future deal with you? And how could any words help you cope with all the possibilities for good or ill?

I could give you some good advice, like "Keep the tender art of romance alive in your marriage by constantly saying, 'I love you,' in word and deed. And, keep the bridges of communication in good working order by taking the time to explore the depth of each other's personality. And, be sure to mature together, not only by developing a hearty sense of humor, but also by developing mutual interests."

All that is sound advice, and if you want a meaningful life, you would be wise to follow it. But there is something more I hold before you today, and that is the offer God makes to you on this your wedding day. An offer. You can take it or leave it. But if you are sincere about wanting a warm, growing, and wonderful marriage, it is an offer too good to pass up. God's offer is simply this: he will give you all you really need if you give yourselves to him. St. Paul put it this way, "... but [Christ] said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you ...' " 2 Corinthians 12:9a

Paul was most likely referring to his health problems, but his words ring true regardless of what problems we have. For Christians are not spared the difficulties of life. Jesus himself endured great adversity. But Paul assures us that, as we encounter the joys and trials of life, we can have at our disposal a power far greater than our own. From my own experience I can attest to the fact that God is able to reach in to our lives in very special ways through the gift of faith. Nowhere is this more true than in a marriage relationship. If our marriages are offered to God, it increases the chance that our relationship will become a blessing rather than an endurance contest.

There are some good reasons for this. First, forgiveness is more apt to be practiced. In worship we are continually reminded of God's grace, his undeserved love. He is always ready to fogive us, so we are urged to pardon each other. Grace always seeks reconciliation. always. Beyond that, the Christian view of marriage stresses oure oneness. We (husband and wife) are one. Therefore, no blunder, no harsh word, no sin, is entirely one person's fault. If we are really "one flesh," then shouldn't both share the blame of the wrong-doing? And if we recognize our shared responsibility, then forgiveness becomes more possible. The beautiful thing about forgiveness, if it is like God's forgiving grace, is that whatever stood between the spouses is gone. The marriage will not just be patched up, it will begin anew, on a stronger, firmer basis.

Second, the grace of God in Christ is a tremendous source of strength. We cannot see into the future, but we know that misfortune and difficulties are commonplace in any marriage. With Christ's grace active in our lives, we are able to lean on him and his ever-present power. In other words, our Lord goes with us on the adventure of marriage. His grace sustains us. It allows us to say with Christians over the years, "I do not know what the future holds, but I know who holds the future."

Third, Christ's grace is sufficient to overcome selfishness. There is perhaps, no greater problem in a marrigae than self-centeredness. That is, no doubt, because from childhood we have been trained to take care of ourselves first. But Jesus tells us that we are to look for his appearance in the people we meet in our everyday lives. This means that whatever you _______ do for _________, you do also for Jesus. And whatever you, _________ do, for _______, is like doing it for your Lord. Faith permits you to see Christ in each other. There is no greater motivation for treating each other with kindness and respect than that. It is our acts of charity, with no thought of response, which give us our greatest joy and fill our hearts with the greatest pleasure.

Finally, _______ and ________, Christ's grace enhances the love you bear for each other. As you come to love your Lord more, your love for each other will be enriched. God gives us eyes to see each other through the eyes of faith, and our love is nourished and increased through is love. That is one of the wonderful surprises of a life in Christ.

So, as family and friends, we urge you to accept the offer God makes to you today. In so doing, may be bless your marriage and the love you share each day of your life. Amen