October 5, 2022

The Holy Martyr Charitina
Ephesians 5:25-33; Luke 4:1-15

Read Ephesians 5:25-33

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!

One of the most common misconceptions of marriage I often encounter is summed up by the adage “happy wife, happy life.” This oft-repeated adage implies a great untruth: that happiness in marriage depends on satisfying the needs and desires of one of two people in the marriage, that being the wife.

In yesterday’s reflection, we read about the importance of humble service. In humble service out of reverence for Christ, we not only strengthen bonds with our neighbour but also with the Lord. Marriage is to be a beautiful icon of this humble service which illustrates the love shared by the husband and wife for each other and for the Lord.

In serving one another out of love for the other and the Lord, husband and wife illustrate the reciprocity of marriage and in doing so, they draw closer to the Lord and to each other. When both husband and wife serve each other, they can both experience a divine encounter and the joy the Lord brings through the other’s loving service.

Forget “happy wife, happy life.” Remember “happy spouse, happy house.”