In a world full of uncertainty and change, where the demands of life often leave us feeling adrift, many search for something deeper. We long for meaning, purpose, and a sense of stability—timeless, genuine, and enduring. The words of the prophet Jeremiah remind us to seek the ancient paths, the good way that brings rest to our souls (Jeremiah 6:16).

Weddings remind us of life’s most profound questions as we celebrate love and unity: Who are we? Why are we here? What is the meaning of our existence? These questions can feel overwhelming, but the answers are closer than we think. The good news of the Gospel is this joyful proclamation: God became one of us so that we might participate in His life! Through the Incarnation, God entered our humanity so that we could share in His divinity. Deification is the heart of the Christian message, and it offers us hope, transformation, and a path to true fulfillment.

Throughout history, humanity has searched for purpose and wrestled with life's big questions: What awaits us beyond this life? Can we find true love and happiness? The answer lies in the mystery of the Incarnation: Deus fit homo ut homo fieret Deus—God became human so that humans might become God. In Christ, God invites us into a divine life where we become more than we ever imagined possible.

Deification isn’t about merely following rules or traditions but being transformed by grace. Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection opened the door for us to participate in God’s life—eternal joy, love, and holiness. The Church Fathers captured this truth when they declared that through Christ, God exalts us, making us more like Himself.

The Church is not just a community of believers; it is the living Body of Christ on earth. Through the sacraments, especially the Eucharist, we are nourished and strengthened in our journey towards sharing in God’s divine life. The Church provides the grace and guidance to walk this path, supporting us as we grow in faith, love, and holiness.

In Baptism, God welcomes us into this family of faith, and through the Sacrament of Confession, we find healing and forgiveness. The Church is our home—a sacred place where we encounter God, receive His grace, and learn how to live in the fullness of His love.

However, we cannot ignore the brokenness we see around us. Sin is real, and it separates us from God’s divine life. We witness the effects of sin in suffering, injustice, and division. But the good news is that God has not left us in this broken state. Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has made a way for us to be redeemed and restored to full communion with Him.

Jesus is our ultimate substitute, paying the price for our sins so that we might be brought back into God's life. Through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness and the grace to begin anew, not through our own strength but through His divine mercy.

This overwhelming love calls for a response. Like a marriage proposal, God’s invitation to participate in His life requires us to choose. How will we respond? Scripture guides us to do three things:

1. Repent—Turn away from sin and embrace God's love and grace. The Sacrament of Confession offers us the gift of freedom and renewal.

2. Believe – Trust in Jesus Christ, who invites us to share in His divine life, and make Him the center of our existence.

3. Be Baptized – Fully enter into the life of the Church, committing ourselves to the journey of faith.

By doing so, we embark on a path that leads to the ultimate goal: communion with God, both now and for all eternity.

God does not confine our journey of faith to this life. In heaven, we are promised eternal union with God—a fulfillment of all our deepest longings. The Church, founded by Christ, guides us on this journey through its teachings, sacraments, and the support of the community of believers. Here, we find grace, mercy, and the assurance that God walks with us, no matter our trials.

As you explore the beauty and depth of the Christian faith, remember that God’s love is always waiting for you. His greatest desire is for you to share in His divine life. As Pope St. John Paul II once said: “Do not be afraid. Open wide the doors to Christ.” Embrace His love, trust in His grace, and allow Him to lead you into the fullness of life that only He can offer.

Welcome—we are so glad you are here to share in this love, unity, and faith celebration.