Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Virgin and Martyr (Optional Memorial)
I also saw the holy city, a new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. (Revelation 21:2)
When we think of preparing for a wedding, we normally think about the dress, the banquet hall, the food, and the music. But the truly remarkable—and demanding—part of wedding preparation is watching a man and woman grow together into a couple. As they prepare for married life, they slowly detach from their old lives and enter a new life, where two people “become one” (Genesis 2:24). This letting go can be difficult at times, but the joy of getting married makes it worthwhile.
It may seem odd that the Book of Revelation uses wedding imagery when talking about the end-time. At first glance, all the destruction described in the beginning of this reading seems at odds with the image of a bride preparing to meet her husband. Yet this wedding analogy is used so often that it’s pretty clear that God doesn’t want us to focus on the destruction, but on his return. He wants us to prepare as joyfully as a bride getting ready for her wedding.
Just as the bride and groom gladly give up their independence to become one, God wants us to joyfully detach from the sinful distractions of life in this world so that we can be united with him. He doesn’t want us to get caught up in what we’re leaving behind; he wants us to look forward to what’s ahead.
Here’s one way you can get ready for Jesus’ return.
A bride and groom wear special wedding garments. Similarly, we have “ordinary clothes” that wouldn’t be appropriate for a wedding. These are old habits or ways of thinking that may be sinful, or they may just be focused on passing concerns. If we want to wear our proper wedding garment, one woven of holiness and love for God, we’ll need to “remove” the garments of bitterness or greed or self-centeredness. This takes time, of course, and Jesus is infinitely patient. But it’s a detachment we need to be making gradually. Remember, a new life is waiting for you: an eternity of being united with the Lord.
“Jesus, help me let go of any fear or worldly attachments as I joyfully prepare for your heavenly wedding banquet.”
Psalm 84:3-6, 8
Luke 21:29-33
Daily Marriage Tip for November 25, 2016:
Instead of joining the craziness of Black Friday shopping, go through your belongings and set things aside to donate.