Homily on Marriage - Fr. Richard Pagano - "Let love get in the way."

“In this morning's first reading from Proverbs 30, we hear of the relationship of man and woman, husband and wife, ordered in a beautiful way.

It's so attractive. The feminine virtue. The masculine confidence of receiving such a worthy wife.

I'm sorry. I've got to pick on you guys. You're so beautiful. Stand up real quick.

Ryan and Charlie - this is their first marriage - or their first mass. (I'm glad it's their first marriage as well. But let's keep it that way and the only marriage, right?)

So... this is their first mass back from their honeymoon. They're beginning their journey. This is their community.

Let's just take a moment and pray for them as their neighbors, as their community members,

They're starting their marriage. Let's pray for them from our heart. That they may always build each other up,

Not counting but constantly in a state of gift of self. Let's pray that God bless their marriage.

We entrust you to the love of Christ that ever builds up and never destroys. May He prosper you according to His will. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.

God bless you guys. Take it easy. You can take it easy.

How many of our marriages begin to slow down? How many of our marriages begin to enter into crisis?

How many of our marriages end because of a breakdown in an exchange of love and compliments and building one another up?

How many of our marriages need to be renewed today?

My brothers and sisters in this reading and in the scriptures we have this weekend, the very example of our Master Jesus Christ

It is time to put into practice what he preaches to us. It's time today.

And let us not waste a moment like the lazy servant who just had complaint and criticism on the master.

Let us not be complainer's. Let us not be critical. Let us not be filled with judgment. Let not judgment get in the way of your neighbor. Let love get in the way.

Let criticism not get in the way of your marriages with your children. Let love get in the way. Let not the sins of your spouse get in the way. Let love get in the way.

And in that we will advance and double what has been invested in us. And when the Master comes to see you he says,

"Come share in your Master's joy. Come and share with the faithful servants who have responded accordingly to my word."”

Fr. Richard Pagano

St. John Paul II Catholic Church

Nocatee, FL

Listen to the entire homily here.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even TikTok!

Subscribe to our email newsletter here.