Christian Wedding Homily - "You are the light of the world" (Jeremiah 31:31-32a, 33-34a; Ephesians 5:2a, 21-33; Matthew 5:13-16)

Dear [Name] and [Name], beloved family and friends, what a joy it is to gather in this sacred space to witness and celebrate the covenant of marriage that God establishes between you today. May the Lord who has drawn you together in love bless you abundantly as you begin this lifelong journey of faith and commitment.

1. Introduction

The readings you have chosen for your wedding day speak powerfully of a single, beautiful truth: God calls us to be light. From Jeremiah's prophecy of a new covenant written on human hearts, to Paul's vision of marriage reflecting Christ's sacrificial love, to Jesus' direct command to be salt and light for the world—we see God's consistent desire for His love to shine through us.

[Name] and [Name], today you become not just husband and wife, but a living sign of Christ's presence in the world. Your marriage is called to be a light—illuminating the path for each other and radiating God's love to everyone you encounter.

2. Unpacking the Readings

In our first reading from Jeremiah 31, the prophet speaks of a new covenant. "I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts," says the Lord in verse 33. Unlike the old covenant written on stone tablets, this new covenant is inscribed directly on human hearts. This intimate relationship between God and His people prefigures what happens in the sacrament of marriage. Today, God writes His law of love on your hearts, [Name] and [Name], binding you together in a covenant that transforms you from within.

This transformation continues in our second reading from Ephesians 5, where St. Paul reveals the profound mystery at the heart of Christian marriage. In verse 25, we hear that "husbands should love their wives as their own bodies," just as "Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her." This mutual self-giving love creates a union so profound that, as verse 31 reminds us, the two "become one flesh." Your marriage, [Name] and [Name], is called to reflect Christ's selfless love—a love that gives completely and holds nothing back.

Finally, in Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus speaks directly to this calling: "You are the light of the world... your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." This is not just a beautiful metaphor but a sacred mission. Your love for each other, strengthened by God's grace, becomes a beacon that points others toward God's love.

3. Connection to the Couple

[Name] and [Name], I've had the privilege of witnessing how you already embody this call to be light. In your relationship, I've seen how you illuminate each other's lives—supporting each other's dreams, bringing out the best in one another, and helping each other grow in faith. Your commitment to serving in your parish community and your care for those in need demonstrate how you're already letting your light shine before others.

But marriage will bring new opportunities and challenges to this mission. There will be days of brilliant sunshine when your love feels effortless and radiant. There will also be cloudy days, even storms, when keeping that light burning requires more effort. On those difficult days, remember that you draw from a light that never dims—Christ himself, who strengthens you through this sacrament.

4. The Church's Teaching on Marriage

The Catholic understanding of marriage is rooted in this image of light. In the Catechism, marriage is described as a covenant by which a man and woman establish between themselves a partnership for their whole life, ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children.

This covenant isn't merely a contract or a feeling—it's a sacred bond established by God that transforms you. Through the sacrament of marriage, your love becomes a visible sign of Christ's love for the Church. Your daily acts of kindness, forgiveness, and faithfulness reveal God's presence to a world hungry for authentic love.

Like a lamp on a stand, your marriage is placed where it can give light to all. Your home becomes what St. John Paul II called a "domestic church"—a place where faith is lived and shared, where children learn to recognize God's love through your love, and where visitors encounter the warmth of Christian hospitality.

5. Practical Blessing and Charge

[Name] and [Name], as you begin this journey together, I offer these words of encouragement:

Let your light shine in the small, everyday moments. It's often in the ordinary—preparing a meal together, caring for each other during illness, celebrating small victories—that your love shines most brightly.

Tend to your inner light through prayer, both individually and as a couple. Make time to read Scripture together, attend Mass, and receive the sacraments. These practices fuel the lamp of your marriage so it never runs dry.

When shadows fall—as they will in any life—turn toward each other, not away. Remember that even in darkness, the light of Christ remains within your covenant, ready to be rekindled through forgiveness and renewed commitment.

And finally, don't hide your light. Share your gifts generously with your community and the Church. Welcome others into your home and hearts. Your marriage isn't just for yourselves—it's a gift meant to illuminate the world around you.

May God who has called you to this sacred vocation strengthen you daily with His grace, that your marriage may be a beacon of hope and faith to all who know you.

Conclusion

[Name] and [Name], as you exchange your vows today, you become a living testament to God's faithful love. The covenant you make reflects the new covenant Jeremiah foretold—written not on stone, but on your hearts. Your mutual submission and self-giving love, as Paul describes, makes visible Christ's love for His Church. And through your united life, you fulfill Jesus' command to "let your light shine before others."

Remember always that you do not generate this light on your own. Christ is its source, and through this sacrament, He remains present in your marriage, illuminating your path forward together.