IMAGINE: A Wedding Feast with Jesus as your Bridegroom

As you are approaching Mass, imagine that you are attending a wedding feast with Jesus as your Bridegroom! Think about all it means. You confess your total commitment to Jesus forever here on earth and you shall never part - even after earthly death.

You have been in His company for many years, getting to know Him, His ways, studying His commandments and learning the Truth. He has transformed you in so many ways along your journey with Him. He has asked you to share in His life and follow His ways. You have already said “yes” to Him, but now you will declare it publicly and sacramentally.

Mary supports Her Son’s union with you and reassures you that even though her Son will be uniting Himself to such a multitude of others, you will feel that you are His only betrothed.

As you enter the holy ground of the Sanctuary, and make the sign of the cross with the blessed water from the baptismal font, go with a pure heart, bearing no grave sin. Be attentive. Prepare yourself to fully engage in the Mass. Confess your venial sins at the Penitential Act. Be caught up into heavenly worship with the “Gloria”. Listen with an open heart to what God is saying to you in the gospel. At the consecration, Jesus becomes present. As Jesus is offered up to God as a sacrifice, unite your sacrifice to His. Offer your life to the Father: all the good and the bad. Jesus takes you by the hand and leads you. You are so close to the Father, now in heaven, as you pray the “Our Father” along with Jesus and everyone else.

As you receive Jesus, remember that in the Eucharist He is alive in His glorified body. “I believe, help my unbelief.” As you receive “The body of Christ” and say “amen”, think of it as saying “I do”! Your marriage is consummated.

As you return to your pew, kneel before your new bridegroom. “You may now kiss the bride”: Jesus holds your head in his Hands and kisses you on the forehead. You caress the wounded hands that are caressing you. All who have received Jesus are now united by the Holy Spirit. You are in union with others and under Mary’s protective mantle. God hovers above all with His divine love, now and throughout eternity.

Enjoy the love and peace. There is so much to be thankful for. “I love you, Jesus. Thank You for loving me first.”