Who is the Bride?
Enjoy some contemplative ponderings from one of our Sisters this lovely Tuesday morning…
Someone recently asked us a question that has gotten me thinking more deeply about the spousal nature of religious life. To paraphrase: “Why do nuns call themselves ‘Brides of Christ,’ when the Scripture uses this term to refer to the Church as a whole?”
In other words, who is the Bride?
I’ll be honest - it had never occurred to me to ask this question! But as I pondered how I might respond, I could see what a reasonable objection it is. What right do we as individual Christians have to appropriate a term that the inspired writers applied to the body of believers as a whole? Are we claiming to be more important than all those others who, by virtue of their Baptism, are just as much members of the One Bride as we are? Hardly so! But then why do we use this exalted title so freely?
The answer lies in the nature of the religious vocation within the Church.
To begin, I and all religious would wholeheartedly agree that the Bride is the Church! Both St. Paul and St. John (in the book of Revelation) are quite clear on this point:
“[Marriage] is a great mystery, but I speak in reference to Christ and the Church.” (Eph. 5:32)
“‘Come here. I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.’ He … showed me the holy city Jerusalem [the new Jerusalem, the Church] coming down out of heaven from God.” (Rev. 21:9-10)
So what does this have to do with nuns? Everything, in fact. The consecrated vocation by its very nature is ecclesial (having to do with the Church). The religious vows are meant to be a radical commitment to one’s Baptism, that precious Sacrament that first joined us to Mother Church. When a woman feels called to religious life, her vocation must be tested and approved by the Church, as represented by the Superior and the community of the Institute she wishes to join.
During our Perpetual Profession ceremony, we also receive a ring on our left hand to symbolize our bridal union with Christ
Furthermore, when this same woman makes her Profession of Vows, it must be received in the name of the Church in a special ceremony. The nun is then bound not only to Christ, but to the Church as well. This reality is beautifully expressed in our Passionist Profession rite during the conferral of the black veil, when the celebrant declares, “Receive this veil which proclaims that you belong entirely to Christ the Lord and are dedicated to the service of the Church.”
In fact, this bond is so profound that the religious woman is called to live her life as an icon of the whole Church. Just as married couples image the love of Christ the Bridegroom and His Church the Bride, so those called to a consecrated vocation are meant to give an even clearer sign of the Church’s total love for and commitment to her Divine Spouse. When people see a nun or a sister, they are meant to see a “preview” of what awaits all the elect in Heaven: complete and joyous self-gift to God!
In this light, we can see why the title “Bride of Christ” is applied to consecrated women. Despite our weakness and human frailty, by the mysterious choice of God we are privileged to represent and show forth the One Bride in a unique way. We look forward with eager hope to the day when our little bridal hearts will take their place - alongside yours - in the glory of the Triumphant Bride in Heaven!
“The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come!’”