Feast of Saint Mary di Rosa

Good morning. Advent is a time of longing. We might say it is somewhat like that of betrothal or engagement for marriage. In both instances we long for love, and love we are told by the Gospel Writer comes from God—it is God. So it is with marriage. We come to love our other out of a longing to better know God, to know love; and in marriage we make every effort to love as God loves us, to be faithful, forgiving, patient, and enduring until death. As Saint Augustine tells us “our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” This is so true. As a marriage counselor I daily witness the restlessness of couples searching for a sense of joy and happiness which can only be found in a loving relationship with God being at the center of their marriage.

In today’s Gospel we are reminded of John the Baptizer’s role as being the one who points to the coming of the Messiah. John the Baptist reminds us that we must prepare for His coming by removing anything which might hinder or get in the way of having Christ be at the center of our lives. So too it is in marriage, as married couples we serve as reminders to one another to be about those things which better prepare us for His coming, not just at Christmas but at the Second Coming. Our job, like that of John the Baptist, as married partners is to help point the way to the Kingdom for each other and for our children. It is the love we have for one another which brought us to His altar and sanctified our relationship, and it is this same love which continues to sanctify our relationship throughout our married life and will help guide us to the Kingdom. The life and loving work of our Saint for today Saint Mary di Rosa offers an example how our lives are to point to His coming. How will we point the way today? Make a great day!

Today we recall the good life, gifts, and works of Saint Mary di Rosa.