Spousal Love

Message from Fr. Jose Koluthara, CMI

Infant Jesus, help me to be faithful, forgiving and generous in love. Amen.

My Dear Brothers and Sisters,
God’s love for humankind is often pictured in the bible as spousal love or marital love. Unlike the relationship that unites the parents and children and brothers and sisters, spousal love is born of a choice; two people freely choose to commit themselves one to the other. So too spousal love is creative. Those who love one another as husbands and wives become a new entity; “the two become one body” (Gen. 2:25). Creative spousal love is also fruitful; from their love for one another spouses bring new lives into the world. Spousal love is also complimentary. Each without the other does not know wholeness. Authentic love is also enduring; those who love in this way promise to do so until death separates one from the other. Given these qualities, the very idea that God loves each of us as with spousal love is all the more remarkable.
In today’s first reading (Is.62:1-5), Isaiah emphasizes like his prophetic colleagues Hosea (ch.2) and Ezekiel (ch.16), God’s willingness to continue to love Israel as spouse and to renew their relationship even when Israel was a less than worthy partner. Despite their infidelities and sinfulness God remains faithful and forgiving.
Within the context of the wedding feast at Cana, Jesus (Jn 2:1-12) manifests the gracious and generous goodness of God. The abundance and quality of the water-turned-into-wine are symbols of God’s generous love. Let us become partakers of this generous love by exercising our charisms rather than egos.

INTERESTED IN VOCATIONS? Call Fr. Jose or visit http://www.vocationstoronto.ca/

St. Augustine’s Seminary Retreat Weekend — February 5-7 “The Love of Christ urges us on.” To radically respond to His call to follow Him whole-heartily. Jesus is inviting you to spend time with Him so that you may discover His call to the priesthood. February 5th to 7th, 2010, St. Augustine’s Seminary, there will be an opportunity for young men of 18 years or older to spend a weekend for time of prayer, reflection and information on the process of becoming a Christ’s disciple through the Catholic priesthood. During this gracious year for priests consider the call to the priesthood. If God is calling you, say yes…Come and See. Those interested are asked to speak with their Pastor or contact the Office of Vocations for further information at 416-968-0997.

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