Reflection on January 12, 1983

https://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/jp2tb104.htm

We go back to the Old Testament and look at the way the prophets use marriage and adultery in their speaking about Israel and God. We looked at this before and I had the thought that the Old Testament was like the betrothal, while Christ coming in the flesh and starting the Church was the marriage. here are a couple of more points, while reading this and thinking about the analogies, to add to my thoughts on this idea.

We just talked about vows and that even with the vows, the marriage is not complete until it is consummated. SJPII points to this need specifically in the understanding of the Theology of the Body and the understanding of the “2 become 1” union. You need a body to consummate the marriage and God did not come in the Flesh until Christ. The “2 became 1” when Christ fully gave Himself to the Church. Old Testament were the vows before the witnesses of the marriage that would be consummated in the flesh by Christ. This also follows Christ teaching that He did not come to change the law, Old Testament, but to fulfill it. Christ comes to consummate the vows spoken to Israel by God throughout the Old Testament. All of God’s promises are fulfilled in Christ, the vows are fulfilled in the flesh, through the unity of Christ and the Church.

It also adds to the fact that Christ spoke about the prophets looking forward to this day. All of the prophets of God understood what was coming, understood what the coming would mean, but were not going to be there when it happened. Think of the married couple looking forward to the wedding night. The anticipation of that special union that would fulfill their vows, unite them as one flesh. During the Transfiguration it is said that Moses and Elijah spoke to Christ about what was about to happen. I always took this to mean about His death, maybe some about the Resurrection. Maybe it included this consummation, the union with the new Church, the fulfillment of all that had come before. Imagine Peter, James, and John hearing them talk about a wedding feast (also and image of the heavenly banquet) and not grasping this, hearing death, sacrifice, gift of self, resurrection, starting the Church, and all they can come up with is we should build tents for you three (or booths). I think this Sunday’s reading is about being invited to a wedding feast. Should we ever look at wedding without knowing they are speaking to us about God and are a sign for us to understand His love for us?