“Holy ground”

“Come no nearer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. I am the God of your father.” (EX 3: 5-6)

This name St. John Paul II used during his homily in my hometown Szczecin in 1987 to describe marriage. An absolutely unique name, but when you think about the dignity of marriage, its role and beauty, it is understandable to call marriage this way. “Come no nearer,” watch your step, “remove the sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Marriage really is holy ground.
Why “come no nearer”? Because marriage is like stained glass and shows its beauty only from the inside of the Church. When you are outside, you can’t see its beauty. When you come too close, you will see only details, not God’s plan for it. And why “remove the sandals”? Because marriage “is holy ground.” You have to be very careful and respectful to protect its delicate structure. You have to know where you put a foot.

“Blessed are you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth; you have revealed to little ones the mysteries of the Kingdom.” (Gospel Acclamation)