Jesus had established a new covenant with his apostles at the last supper. It was like a wedding betrothal of the Jews. Jesus the groom had made the betrothal with his bride the church through the apostles who were the pillars of the church. According to the Jewish wedding custom, the groom or his father had to pay a dowry (mohar) to the bride’s family. For example, before the wedding of Isaac, Abraham’s servant “brought out objects of silver and gold and clothing and presented them to Rebekah; he also gave costly presents to her brother and mother” (Gen 24:53). Jacob labored for Laban seven years each, to marry his daughters Leah and Rachel (Gen 29:15-30).
The dowry that Jesus paid was the sacrifice of his life as a ransom for the redemption of his followers (Mt 20:28, Mk 10:45). Once the engagement took place, the groom would depart to his father’s house and prepare a space there for the couple. Then on an unexpected day, the groom would come to receive the bride, who would be eagerly waiting for the return of her husband for the marital union. Likewise, Jesus bid farewell to his dearly beloved church, promising that he would prepare a place for them in the Father’s mansion for their full communion with him.
REFLECTION
Since Jesus is the bridegroom and his church the bride, we are their children. Some claim that they pray to God or Jesus but do not keep their relationship with the church. Let us be part of the church and take advantage of the sacraments Jesus established while waiting for his return for the full establishment of his kingdom.