The Gospel this Sunday recalls the Wedding at Cana which Jesus and his disciples attended. This is very significant in that it is here that Jesus preforms his first miracle. It is also a very important symbol that highlights the importance of marriage and how it reflects the relationship between God and his people. The first book of the Scriptures, Genesis begins with the marriage of Adam and Eve and the last book, Revelations, ends with the “marriage supper of the Lamb”. The collective people of the faithful are the “bride”, and Jesus Christ is the “groom”. In every Mass the priest holds up the consecrated host for all to see and says, “Blessed are those called (you) to the (marriage) supper of the Lamb.” (from Rev. 19:6-9) The family is intended to provide the creative formation of faithful souls living in accord with God’s will and reflecting his truthful love and mercy. Every soul, regardless of their state of life, is to live in relationship to God with the faithfulness of a married spouse. Every man and woman, regardless of being married or unmarried, a parent or not a parent, is to reflect the parental love and mercy of God the Father. We are called to treat those we encounter, with the respect due a father or mother, the fidelity of a spouse and the caring mercy to a child. We continue to witness the decimation of marriage and family and we see the effects in our society. The result has been the darkening increase of untruthfulness, disrespect, and infidelity of all types. What can you do? Love those closest to you with God’s love and you will love those farthest from you also. Yours in Christ our Lord, Fr. Sid.