We have been reflecting on the Wedding Feast at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle (Jn 2:1-11). He turned ordinary water into an overabundance of the finest wine.

Wine symbolizes joy! Jesus wants you to know abundant and fruitful joy in your marriage. In the last two posts, we have looked at ways to receive the grace that Jesus wants to pour into your marriage.

Just as there were six stone jars at Cana, we propose that there are six “jars” which we need to fill with water (our efforts) so that Jesus can turn it into wine.

We have discussed the first and second stone jars: “Follow Christ” and “Read Scripture.” This week we will “fill” the third stone jar: “Receive the Eucharist.”

Why receive the Eucharist? Because it gives Life. The Eucharist provides nourishment to live out our vocation to marriage. In fact, “The Eucharist is ‘the source and summit of the Christian life’” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1324). As a sacrament, the Eucharist imparts grace and strength to endure the journey of the Christian life. “The Eucharist occupies a unique place as the ‘Sacrament of sacraments’: ‘all the other sacraments are ordered to it as to their end’” (CCC, 1211).

In the Gospel of John, Jesus speaks to the importance of receiving the Eucharist:

So Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you…For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him…he who eats this bread will live for ever.” (Jn 6:53-58)

Christ is the Bread of Life! When Christ is the center of your life and marriage, you will long to receive Him Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity in the Holy Eucharist. Christ came to save you from sin and death. He has given you the Eucharist as your nourishment for the journey to your heavenly home.

Holy Communion augments our union with Christ. The principal fruit of receiving the Eucharist in Holy Communion is an intimate union with Christ Jesus. Indeed, the Lord said: ‘He who eats my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him’ (Jn 6:56).” (CCC, 1391)

The Eucharist draws us closer to Christ. As we individually draw closer to Christ, we will naturally grow closer to our spouses. Seize every opportunity to receive the Eucharist as a couple. Allow Jesus to flood your souls with grace, to transform your hearts and conform your wills to His.

Next week, we will fill the fourth stone jar, “Pray Together.”