Love!

I was inspired to write today, because of what happened at Mass this morning.  Each year, around Valentine’s Day, it’s a tradition at many Catholic parishes to have married couples renew their vows.  Since I’ve never been married, I have always waited out this tradition, keeping a low profile, waiting for it to be over and Mass to resume.  But, not this year.  Today, as the priest went through a lengthy prayer/blessing, I just happened to look closely into the faces of the couples, standing, facing each other, and gazing into their spouse’s eyes.   How often are couples able, in today’s busy world, to have the time to look closely at each other for several minutes straight?  Yet, without exception, I could see the commitment these pairs had for each other.

Some observations…

There were young couples, old couples, and middle-aged couples.  Some couples were whispering (sweet nothings?  private jokes?) to each other, and others were looking very solemnly at each other.

One young couple looked so hopeful and happy - probably wasn't long ago that they made their vows.  Another couple had their newborn along – in her christening gown, for the baby’s important moment, taking place at the end of Mass.  I thought about the years that stretched ahead, and how fortunate these couples were to have found their partners for life.  

Behind me, there was a couple – probably about my age.  I couldn’t see the husband’s face, but the wife had a tentative smile and looked very emotional.  It made me wonder if they were facing a challenge in their relationship, perhaps, or if one of them was sick?  So many couples have to face challenges together – hardships that might make their relationship grow stronger or tear them apart.  A strong commitment is necessary to hold a marriage together through the bad times.

I had to smile at another couple – they were probably in their mid-60s.  The husband looked like a pretty crusty guy, and the wife looked...tired.  But, during those few minutes, they stood close and held hands tightly, and the husband reached up and brushed a strand of hair away from his wife’s face.  Such a tender moment, and, so unexpected from this guy!

I thought, too, of those who were aged and without spouses – did it bring back fond memories of their lost mates or make them yearn to be reunited?  How about those who had been hurt in love?  Were they cynical, or did they feel hopeful that they could someday find love again?  Were children embarrassed or happy to see their parents renewing their love in front of others?

There is so much pressure at Valentine’s Day – what’s the appropriate gift?  Will he/she misconstrue or enjoy how you’ve decided to celebrate?  What if you’re having trouble in your partnership?  Will the boy or girl you like in your class give you a Valentine?  Are  you sad to be without the one you love?  Will you eat a lot of chocolate because you're sad or lonely?  

Well, I think that this brief “ceremony” celebrating marriage and LOVE was a nice demonstration of what it’s all about.  It brought ME back to the basics – something so normal, natural, simple – yet spectacular!  LOVE is found in everyday actions, in the people around you, and in many variations.  All you have to do is stop for a minute…and let it sink in. 

I wish you all an open heart. Happy Valentine’s Day!