In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sanctus. Amen.

I think this is the time of the year a lot of people talk about romance and all that sort of thing. A lot of friends I know are going some period of renewal of relationships, falling in love with someone, thinking about beautiful moments in past relationships. I am affected by this too, you know. But for me, it isn't about thinking about someone, but rather, thinking about what kind of person I would like to meet.

I often have very romantic dreams about this particular girl whom I have not met in real life. She's suppose to be this person called 'Dream Lover(DL)'. She has long black hair that sometiems bundle up or tied like a ponytail. She's always in front of me. And I'm always chasing her. Occasionally, I'd catch up with her and we'd stare into each other eyes and laugh and have a real nice time together.

I always wake up in the middle dreams like these (my pshrink says that most people only remember the dreams that they wake up in the middle of, but that's another lecture altogether). Then I'd think to myself about how my previous relationships went and the mistakes I've made, especially with that last one (she disappeared out of thin air... don't ask). All of them were mistakes, really. Tiring, these relationship were. So after my last girlfriend in 2000, I went into a one year plus period of constant dating, but never to venture into any serious relationship.

What about now? No. Frankly, I like to think about romance. But to actually get into any relationship right now is something that doesn't appeal to me. I don't know why. I prefer to start working, get my life on the road, repairing or rebuilding friendships, and most importantly, trying to get rid of old habits.

I look at couples today and I have good feelings for them. In my mind, I always wish them well, if not the best. So when I see lovers fighting, my heart goes out to them. I really want them to make up with each other. You at least most of the couples I see today still fight. It's not so bad because quarreling is a form of communication. It is to be avoided of course. But you know hwat's worse? Cold silence. When your partner gives you that, it's a very scary thing. Just as bad is when both parties in a relationship are acting nice to each other when things are, in reality, going very bad. I would call that a silence too.

The following is my opinion. Please correct my immaturity. Just consider this as my two cents's worth, ok? I am no great lover.

We always say to our partners and I think we've also heard a fair bit from them ourselves that communication is very important in a relationship. That's true, you know. But on top of that, we should also offer our relationship to God as an honest relationship. The fellowship we share with our partners should always be dedicated to God. This is not necessarily consecration. Consecretion of a relationship to God, that is, to make it holy, takes the form of marriage. Marriage is the confirmation that God gives us of our love for our partners. In that sense, we didn't put ourselves and our partners together. Marriage is like God putting us with our partners. Marriage is always for God. It's like how God put Adam and Eve together. That's why marriage is very necessary when we settle down with our partners. Some people think that they can keep a relationship together without consecrating it to God. Do you know any couple who has successfully maintained that relationship? We are only humans and if we do not have God's blessing in a relationship (which comes with marriage), we have no power to hold the relationship together. I think it would be a very good practice for couples, married or not, to sit down together regularly and pray to God together. Pray out loud for each other and for the direction of the relationship. Like all things else, ask the Lord of wisdom in love so that He can guide you through wisdom in the undertaking of your relationship, to keep it sacred and blessed.

Anyway, enough of my ramblings. Tonight, I specially hold in my prayers those who are in romantic relationships today and will be in the future. I pray that you couples can turn to the Good Lord together, in fellowship, during times of struggle. The devil tempts us in all ways, but by the Lord's covering, we remain unharmed. Offer your relationships to Him if you really love each other. Strive for God's love in each other. And most importantly, thank God for each other.

Congratulations to Dion and Dorothy on their wedding day. May you guys have a really fruitful and happy time together. All the very best! Amen.

+ Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam +