To the Ends of the Earth: Witness – Week 1, Day 4 – "Cherish" is the Watchword of a Man's Every Action

You are all fair, my love;

   there is no flaw in you.

Come with me from Lebanon, my bride;

   come with me from Lebanon….

You have ravished my heart, my sister, my bride,

   you have ravished my heart with a glance of your eyes,

   with one jewel of your necklace.

How sweet is your love, my sister, my bride!

   how much better is your love than wine,

   and the fragrance of your oils than any spice!

Your lips distil nectar, my bride;

   honey and milk are under your tongue;

   the scent of your garments is like the scent of Lebanon.

Song of Solomon 4:7–8, 9–11

Many people believe that the “romance phase” of marriage exists only in the early years of the relationship. Over time, the passion gives way to familiarity and contentment. But this is not what God intended for marriage. While the physical aspects of love may lessen a little as our responsibilities in marriage change and grow, there is no reason why the passion needs to fade. The one who captured our heart can continue to cause it to beat with intensity and desire, if we understand the secret to making love last.

For those in ministry and single life, this same passion, while not romantic in nature, can be an ever-flowing source of Christ’s grace to the Church and the world. The excitement and wonder of our vocations need not wax and wane with the years, but can be continually transformed as we live out the love of Christ by our words and deeds.

To cherish means to take delight, to love with a fire that pours itself out into actions, to seek to become a living sign of Christ in the unity and mutual love we share. As husbands cultivate love for their wives and as ministers cultivate their passion for their ministries, no matter how long the journey, our eyes should open wider to the wonder and beauty of our sacred vocations. Each experience of our marriage or our ministry, the trials and the treasures, the “for better or worse,” should help to shape the oneness that we share together in Christ.

Questions for reflection

Husbands, what are some concrete ways you can work to grow in love with your wife?

What does real passion and sold-out love in marriage or ministry look like? Is this the love you live out through your witness to the Gospel and your holy vocation every day?

How can you become more focused on the One who is the source and goal of your marriage or ministry?

Praying with Scripture

How fair and pleasant you are, O loved one, delectable maiden! (Song of Solomon 7:6)

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