So, you're getting married!

Getting married is such a profound, human experience; so profound that sometimes, we tend to attribute every relationship to ourselves.

In the Christian context, marriage can most of all be a profound experience of God.  From the Book of Genesis 2:18-24, Adam uttered a most profound statement which cannot be uttered by any human being unless he has God's inspiration: "This one, at last, is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; this one shall be called 'woman, 'for out of 'her man' this one has been taken."

Jesus in the New Testament, Jesus reiterated the words of Genesis with a deeper implication: "A man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.  So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate" (Matthew 19:3-6).

Angelica and Charles, as you're entering into a new chapter in your lives as a married couple, realize one and only one important thing: heaven is right here within your reach.

I too chose heaven when I entered the priesthood.  Tatay, Nanay, and my siblings chose heaven to be our home even before we were all born.  All the dynamics in the home is a semblance of heaven.  All pains and joys all beautiful memories are parts of heaven.

At a young age, I knew that God is not so far away; he is right there within my reach.  He's as near as I can touch my parents, brother and sisters.  For I can see God's heaven right in the home.

First, in the unity of love of my parents, brothers and sisters

Sure, we had lots of disagreements in the home; sure, we made each other cry.  But we could hear Nanay say to us: "Huwag kayong mag-aaway.  Huwag kayong mag-aaway sa harap ng hapag-kainan."  In every moment, we strive to be one heart and one mind.  Charles and Angel, in heaven there are no walls between peoples.   There's no space between us and God.  Let's strive to be one with one another and with God.  Also teach your future children, "Mga anak, huwag kayong mag-away.  Magmahalan kayo tulad ng pagmamahal namin sa isa't isa at sa inyo."

Second, the whole family is one with God

Even on earth, we are one with God.  He is not in second place in our list of priorities.  Our parents make sure that we're always in the state of grace.  We receive communion, we attend masses regularly, we go to Holy Week activities together.  We are active in Church.  I'm very much active in Church as a priest.  In the family, we are one heart and one mind with the Church.  The whole Church is heaven here on earth.  Do not separate yourselves in the life of the Church.  Because in heaven, we will all be one.

Third, the family on the road to heaven

We may want to stay on earth for so long.  But we realize the ones before us are finding their way to heaven: Nanay, Uncle Leandro, all uncles and aunties; only Tatay and Auntie Deling are the last parent and auntie standing.  Parting is such sweet sorrow.  But heaven is part of the agenda.  There we will truly be united forever as one family in God.

Angel and Charles, do not forget God in our family and married life.  Remember you are to get married to him first before you get married to each other.  You are to teach unity as if it were the most important thing in the world; I'm talking about the unity that resembles heaven, because we are totally one with God and with one another in love.  Teach your future children to love God above all things and to love one another as he loves us. 

And be involved in the Church.  Remember that there is a greater family, our being family in the Lord.  When one of your children chooses to enter the priesthood or religious life, support him or her because he or she will be married to God and his Church.  Charles, remember St. Paul when he said, "Husbands, love your wives as Christ loves his church."

Finally, never lose sight of heaven.  Don't be absorbed by materialistic, worldly concerns.  Remember that there is a heaven that you and all here present wish to attain.  Orient your children to the ways of heaven.  Teach them God.  And you will be blessed forever. 

Charles and Angel, we love you forever!