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When I got married, my wife and I made vows before our family and friends. And although I meant them sincerely when I said them, I had no idea how challenging some of those vows would be to keep (who knew that marriage was hard?!). We’ve had our challenges as we’ve grown as individuals, as husband and wife, and as parents. And I’m reminded of those vows especially when attending a wedding.

I was recently at a wedding of two friends. At the part where they made their vows, I thought about the vows in my own relationship with my wife. This is something I’ve done at every wedding I’ve gone to (since getting married of course, since doing so beforehand wouldn’t make any sense…and would be kinda creepy). When they talk about in good times and in bad, I think about our last argument, and I resolve to be better about keeping those vows. It reminds me to choose love and forgiveness in those times I want to be angry.

What is Love?

It is so beautiful to watch two people who love each other get married. I love seeing the absolute joy pouring out of their hearts. And I love seeing them be so completely vulnerable to the love of their life in front of the people they surround themselves with.

Too often we see marriage as just this thing that two people in love do to say they want to be together forever and that’s it (yes, I know, being together forever isn’t nothing). But it is so much more than that. When you get married, you’re not just saying, “I love you, and I believe I’ll be happy with you.” You’re saying, “I love you so much, that I am willing to give up everything I know for you. All that I am is yours.” Note to those not married yet: sacrifice isn’t easy.

And going to a wedding reminds me of that. It reminds me what I promised my bride. It reminds me of the sacrifices I said I would make, as well as the sacrifices my wife has made for me. It reminds and encourages me to try harder. And it happens in such a beautiful, awe-inspiring way that excites me – when the bride and groom become one, in a moment of unity happening right before myeyes.

More Than Just Words

And that’s the same reason why going to Mass every Sunday is so important. It reminds us that Jesus loves us, and that He sacrificed Himself for us. It reminds us that we belong to God, and that we are called to also sacrifice our life to God for His glory. And it reminds and encourages us to try harder.

But the beauty and the awesomeness and the excitement is lost all too often. We don’t allow ourselves to see Jesus in the Eucharist, we fail to give Mass the attention it deserves, and we can’t see Christ’s sacrifice on the cross right before our eyes. Because of all that, we lose the reason to go to Mass. We lose the desire to sing passionately.

And when we recall our Baptismal vows, or we recite the Creed, or when we say any of all the prayers that we say during Mass, we do so mindlessly. Instead, we need to say each prayer, and think about what that means in our daily lives. When have we struggled with those promises? What do we need to work on? How are we being called to grow?

The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary is tomorrow. Challenge for you (other than going, of course):

Pay attention. Listen to the actual words being prayed – don’t just wait for your “prompt” so you can say the next response.
At the beginning of Mass when we’re supposed to ask God to forgive our sins, ask God to forgive you of your sins.
Sing. Intentionally.
Pray the words, don’t just say the words.
At Communion, recognize that you’re actually going to receive the real presence of Jesus Christ in you.
Stay til the closing song is done.
Let others go before you in the parking lot.

And if you weren’t planning on going to Mass, then here’s your challenge: