Entrusting his heart to her

“When one finds a worthy wife, her value is far beyond pearls. Her husband, entrusting his heart to her, has an unfailing prize. She brings him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. She obtains wool and flax and works with loving hands. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her fingers ply the spindle. She reaches out her hands to the poor, and extends her arms to the needy. Charm is deceptive and beauty fleeting; the woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her a reward for her labors, and let her works praise her at the city gates.” (PRV 31: 10-13; 19-20; 30-31) 

The first step in “entrusting his heart to her” is the moment when he learns how to defend, not to attack. An attack is when we try to change our wives to our own image and likeness; a defense helps us to recognize her beauty, her differences and talents and results in “entrusting his heart to her.” When women are recognized in their dignity, we can expect all of those things mentioned in today’s first reading.

“Remain in me as I remain in you, says the Lord. Whoever remains in me bears much fruit.” (Gospel Acclamation)