February 18, 2011
Personal Reflection
The call to married life — A divine plan for the gift of life
Ben, Connor, Maddie, Beth and Shawn Flaningam pose for a family photo. Click for a larger version.
By ZOE CANNON (Sacred Heart Church, Vincennes)
Among the many blessings that God has showered upon us is the gift of marriage. This vocation is God’s Divine Plan to unite those in love, for life . . . to have and to hold from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health . . . Man and woman, intricately designed for the creation of the human race. In this series about vocations, marriage may be the last to be represented, but it was actually God’s first “call” to serve him. Without marriage there would be no need for other vocations.
“So the last shall be first, and the first last.” Mt. 20:16 In this parable of the laborers, Jesus is illustrating that salvation is free to all, being first or last is not important. What is important is that we all believe in Jesus Christ. As his laborers, we are each called to contribute something special in His plan. Whether priesthood, religious life, single life or marriage . . . . there is plenty of work to go around and each vocation works in harmony with another. “Many are called but few are chosen” or is it, many are called but few choose to go? In using another parable, Jesus says, “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet, but some refused to come. This teaching was also to prepare the disciples for evangelization, something we need to do wherever we are called.
In this reflection I want to illustrate how amazing life is when God’s Divine Plan works together. One person’s vocation, lending a “hand” to help the needs of another. On Friday morning, January 14, 2011, life changed for Shawn and Beth Flaningam. Married 18 years this May, they are calling to mind a promise they made to one another. One you recite in your wedding vows, but do not think will be an issue until you reach old age, for better for worse, in sickness and in health. At age 38, Beth found Shawn unresponsive early that morning. Not knowing the cause, he was rushed by helicopter to Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.
The Flaningams knew they needed the comfort and prayers of their parish priest. They are members of Sacred Heart in Vincennes; they hated to make the call, because Father Jason Gries was supposed to be on vacation. In 30 minutes, he was there to offer support with love and prayer. Shawn had been unconscious for nearly six hours when Father Jason arrived. When the prayers and anointing of oil were administered, Shawn opened his eyes for the first time, and squeezed his wife’s hand. Diagnosed as having a stroke, Shawn returned home this past week to continue his rehabilitation. It may be a while before he can return to work, but he was at Mass this past Sunday with Beth and their three children: Connor, 15, Ben, 13, and Maddie, age 9, who never left her Daddy’s side at Mass that morning.
What a beautiful witness to the power in trusting a loving God. When the Flaningams made that call to Father Jason, it was their faith in God that provided comfort and healing. It was in obedience to his calling as a priest, that Father Jason could provide the opportunity for God’s work to be done. Could there be a more divine plan? In God’s Kingdom, great-ness is manifested by obedient service. God calls everyone and gives them the power to res-pond, but do we choose to go?
On their wedding day, couples say a definitive “yes” to their vocation of marriage. When the real work begins. For the remainder of their married lives, the couple is challenged to grow through grace, into what they already are: that is, an image of Christ’s love for his church. And where do we get the opportunity for God’s grace? In his infinite wisdom, God provided us with everything we need. In a poem titled “the Beautiful Hands of a Priest” there is a line that reads: And when we are taking life’s partner. Other hands may prepare us a feast. But the hand that will bless and unite us — Is the beautiful hand of a priest. There is a concerning attitude today which views marriage as an individualistic matter, not related to the common good, but orientated toward achieving personal satisfaction. If one truly understands what it means to say that marriage is both a natural institution and a Christian sacrament, they would realize it is a gift from God.
During a homily recently at Sacred Heart, Father Jason asked the question: “if you could have one wish, what would it be?” He walked up and down the aisle, randomly looking for answers. My favorite was from a young lady who is a senior in high school. She replied quickly and confidently, “I would wish for a strong Christian Marriage.” If everyone who planned to marry had this hope; in the grand scheme of things, that would be the greatest wish of all.
Pray for the continued blessing of strong Christian marriages. Pray especially for those couples who are tested with more than the everyday challenges of dirty clothes on the floor, running kids around, and grocery shopping. Pray in thanksgiving for the faithful people like Shawn, Beth and Father Jason, and their beautiful witness in the power of God’s love for us; to have and to hold, from this day forward. Amen!