311 1-18-21 2nd WOT Mark 2:18-22
The presence of the Bridegroom, by Bede the Venerable, 672-735 A.D.
“From the time that the incarnation of our Savior was first promised to the patriarchs,
it was always awaited by many upright souls with tears and mourning – until he came.
From that time when, after his resurrection, he ascended to heaven, all the hope of
the saints hangs upon his return.
It was at the time when he was keeping company with humanity that his presence was
to be celebrated. Then it would have been unfitting to weep and mourn.
For like the bride, she had him with her bodily whom she loved spiritually.
Therefore, the bridegroom is Christ, the bride is the church, and the friends of the
bridegroom (Matthew 9:15, Luke 5:34) and of the marriage are each and every one of
his faithful companions.
The time of his marriage is that time when, through the mystery of the incarnation, he
is joining the holy church to himself (Revelation 19:7).
Thus, it was not by chance, but for the sake of a certain mystical meaning that he
came to a marriage ceremony on earth in the customary fleshly way (John 2:1-12),
since, he descended from heaven to earth in order to wed the church to himself in
spiritual love.
His nuptial chamber was the womb of his virgin mother.
There God was conjoined with human nature. From there he came forth like a
bridegroom to join the church to himself.”
(excerpt from HOMILIES ON THE GOSPELS 1.14)
Saint James Catholic Church 