Mr. and Mrs. Gorman

Mary and Thomas stood together in the center of the peaceful living room of Mary’s childhood home. Before them, with eyes full of love (and some happy tears), stood their four parents. Each set of parents had prepared something special for the day: a blessing for their child and their child’s soon-to-be spouse. With their hands extended, the parents blessed their children one final time before they would enter into their vocation. While this was happening, the bridal party and other friends and family members were spread throughout the home. Some chose to stand in the dining room to keep their eyes fixed on the bride and groom, while others socialized in the kitchen or finished getting ready for the big day. The moment felt symbolic of how the sacrament of marriage blossoms out of ordinary, everyday life, and then returns to be lived out in this ordinary, everyday way after the frills of the wedding day fade into memory.

In his homily, Deacon Dave discussed how Mary and Thomas were both raised in loving, faithful families, and they both understand the importance of going to Christ. He encouraged them to continue going to Christ, but also to go to each other. Having known Mary for a while, Deacon Dave was able to give Thomas the assurance—which Thomas and everyone else present already knew—that Mary will be a Proverbs 31 wife. Then, he illustrated a beautiful thought for us all. As a blacksmith, Thomas understands the nuances involved in perfectly fitting a horseshoe to a horse. Deacon Dave pointed out how well Thomas will fit himself to Mary as a worthy husband.

Though we’ve never thought of Christ as a blacksmith before, these words from Deacon Dave did bring us to think of Him in this way. If Thomas can fit a shoe to a horse, imagine everything God is doing for each one of us as He fits us to our vocation. As faithful Catholics, Mary and Thomas have allowed God to soften and mold them in just the right ways. They are now able to fit perfectly together, and will help each other to love Christ more fully and become great saints.

Mary and Thomas, you are both awesome, and we loved every second we spent with you. You’re awesome because your love for God and your love for each other shines so brightly that everyone around you enjoys basking in the warmth of that love. Because Christ is central in both of your lives, He will surely be central in your marriage. This transforms the ordinary, everyday moments of life into holy moments. Your marriage will help you to become great saints. We’re praying for you, and we’re excited to see how your story unfolds!

Love,

Amy and Kyle