JESUS THE BRIDEGROOM

Jesus the Bridegroom

By Eileen Renders                                 October 08, 2023

   In my youth, I can recall the first time a priest on the Altar during his sermon referred to Christ as the Bridegroom. My first thought was a reaction in which I felt the very idea of referring to Christ as a Bridegroom was sacrilegious. To my mind, I thought everyone realized that Christ never married.

   As I matured a bit, I accepted that referring to Christ as the Bridegroom was metaphorically in a different context. Now, however, as a very spiritually mature individual, I can honestly say that I do finally understand how Christ is the Bridegroom.  

   Becoming aware of the many blessings and graces that God has bestowed upon me and my family, I searched my soul to determine what I could give to him in expression of my love. Obvious God did not need anything from me as it was he who gave all to me, it took a little time to come to an understanding that there was something he would appreciate from me.

   First, I looked at all he had given me and tried to determine what had been the most precious gift of all. For me, it was, of course, my free will to choose whatever it was I wanted to do. Very soon, prior to receiving the most precious body and blood of Jesus Christ in the sacrament of Holy Communion, I offered to God my free will and asked him to please accept it. I told Christ that my gift to him was to lead me, guide me, and correct me as I walked through life. I wanted truly to surrender to him and to his will.  

   During that gift of surrendering to God’s will, I soon realized that I was surrendering to the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. God gave each of us free will to choose him, or not choose him. Being God we realize that he could have forced us to do his will, yet he wanted us to freely choose him over the world, that is how much he loves us. Therefore, when we surrender fully to his will, he is the bridegroom.