Jesus the Bridegroom

Mark 2:19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast.

• Source of the bride: Eve was formed from the rib of Adam (Gen 2:22-23); the Church was formed from the side of Jesus when he was pierced on the cross and water and blood (representing the sacraments of Baptism and the Eucharist) poured out (Jn 19:34)

• Protector of his bride: Adam watched as Eve succumbed to Satan's temptations and then participated in the fall (Gen 3:6); Jesus the new Adam is always with his Church (Mt 28:20) and is guided by the Holy Spirit (Jn 16:13)

• Spousal love: God for Israel (Hos 2:18,21); Jesus for his Church (2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:25; Rev 19:7)