Fr Ed Homily 8-17-20

The Delight of My Eyes

OK, it is Monday. We start another week. We might think we have it tough, but nothing could be as bad as it was for Ezekiel. He had just been told by God that his wife was going to die, but Ezekiel was to act as if he was not grieving. Why? Because soon Babylon was going to destroy Jerusalem, many would be killed. And those who lived would be forced to march to Babylon. They would not have time to grieve. For Ezekiel, the delight of his eyes was his wife. For the Israelites, the delight of their eyes was the temple. The temple would be destroyed.

The phrase The Delight of My Eyes caught my attention. On a more positive note, and really in contrast to the readings, the delight of my eyes made me remember the number of weddings I have been in. I do like weddings. The abundance of love. The charity for each person. Different families coming together to share in the couple’s love. One of the interesting traditions is something called ‘the first look’.

I must admit, I did not realize this tradition was even happening for perhaps the first fifty weddings. Lately though couples have talked about this first look more often and want to make it something special. For those who do not know, it is when the groom sees his bride at the end of the aisle before she processes into church. Photographers make this moment interesting too. First, they want that initial picture of the bride. Then they quickly turn to the groom to catch the expression on his face. Then back to the bride. Then back to the groom. Back and forth. Back and forth.

Perhaps it should be like this. When the groom sees his bride that phrase comes to mind. The delight of my eyes. At that moment I think it really sets into the groom’s mind just how much he loves this woman. And that he is willing to do anything for her. Grant her any wish. Try to fulfill her every desire. There isn’t anything he wouldn’t do for her. The delight of my eyes. The bride feels this love and she looks upon her soon to be husband as the delight of her eyes. And the two become one flesh. What God has joined together let no one separate.

So here is the amazing thing about God. He looks upon you as the delight of His eyes. Absolutely. Each and every one of you. You are truly the delight of His eyes. Knowing God loves us in that way should make us want to treat each other with a little more love and respect today, right?

May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen