Living for Others in Marriage and Lent

The Strength of Marriage is Found in Selfless Love

This past Sunday, we celebrated our annual Wedding Anniversary Mass which, by intention, fell on World Day of Marriage. Many couples were present for the afternoon Mass in the Cathedral, observing significant wedding anniversaries, a testament to their faith and commitment to each other. 

During my homily, I reflected on a simple but powerful Hindu proverb: rivers don’t drink their own water; trees don’t eat their own fruit; the sun doesn’t shine for itself, and flowers don’t spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others, the proverb reminds us, was a rule of nature. That wisdom reflected the day’s readings and the meaning of marriage itself.

In the Gospel, Jesus shares, “You are the salt of the earth.” Salt did not exist for itself, rather it existed to bring flavor to food and, in earlier times, to preserve it from spoilage. In the same way, we are called to give flavor to life, to make the world richer, more joyful, and more meaningful for others. We are also called to help preserve what was good and to resist what corroded human dignity, love, and hope.

I invited everyone to think about how we experience happiness. Many genuinely strive for happiness, but often do so the wrong way, focusing only on their own desires, comfort, or self-interest. Scripture reminds us that true fulfillment is derived not from serving ourselves, but from seeking the well-being of others, and that in making others happy, we often discover our own joy.

Those celebrating wedding anniversaries knew this truth well. A marriage cannot endure if centered only on “me.” It thrives when spouses care for one another’s needs, wishes, and happiness. That daily, sometimes quiet, choice to love selflessly is what makes marriage strong and life-giving. Take, for example, Carl and Dorothy Bertoluno (pictured above), who celebrated their 67th anniversary this past Saturday. Parishioners of Saint Mary in Norton, the Bertoluno’s marriage was one of many inspiring stories I heard after the Mass.

I concluded by encouraging everyone to keep loving, giving, and witnessing. The journey is not over, and there are still many years ahead to serve as salt that gives flavor and light that shines for others. I prayed that God would continue to bless each marriage and family, and that this faithful love would continue to shine brightly in the world.

Beginning the Forty Days of Lent with Purpose and Hope

Lent is coming quickly. As we prepare to enter this holy season next week, on Ash Wednesday, February 18, we are reminded that these forty days are given to us as a gift. Lent is a time to slow down, reflect, and return our hearts more fully to God. Lent invites us to examine our lives; to let go of habits that distract us from love of God and neighbor, and to renew our commitment growing spiritually through prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. By setting aside time for prayer, practicing self-denial, and reaching out to those in need with generosity and compassion, we prepare ourselves to walk with Christ toward the hope and joy of Easter. I invite you to begin thinking and preparing to make this Lent a special time for spiritual renewal. 

The Diocesan Secretariat for Evangelization offers several helpful resources to help you plan your Lenten journey.

Sincerely,

+Bishop da Cunha