Bishop Edward J. Weisenburger | Diocese of Tucson website

Love is a word that holds deep meaning and significance in our lives. As Valentine's Day approaches, we are reminded of the profound need in our hearts to both be loved and to love others. For Deacon Ed Sheffer, the Director of Youth Ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish, love is not just a concept, but a reality that he has experienced firsthand in his 39-year marriage to his wife, Anne Marie.

Reflecting on their journey together, Deacon Ed recalls the early days when they first met at a TGI Fridays Restaurant. "I really knew very little about love," he admits. However, he soon discovered that marriage is more than just a love relationship. It is an intimate union that requires a deep connection to God. Deacon Ed emphasizes the importance of allowing God's love to flow through them, enabling them to love themselves and one another as God loves.

Marriage, according to Deacon Ed, is a unified yes to God's plan. It is a commitment to support and bear each other's crosses. However, this choice to love intimately can be challenging at times, especially when sacrifice is required. Deacon Ed reminds us that true love is not conditional, but rather, it is a selfless act of service towards one another.

In their journey as a couple, Deacon Ed and Anne Marie have come to understand that they are not the same individuals. They have learned to appreciate and embrace their differences, recognizing that it is in these differences that the beauty of their relationship lies. They have discovered that love is rooted in God, as stated in 1 John 4:8: "God is love." It is through this understanding that they have found the true essence of love.

Without God's plan for marriage, Deacon Ed warns that individuals may seek self-gratification and temporary happiness. However, he emphasizes that this pursuit can lead to the destruction of one's soul. Only by realizing and responding to God's love can one preserve their soul and experience true fulfillment.

Throughout their marriage, Deacon Ed and Anne Marie have faced various challenges and blessings. They have learned that when God is not at the center of their relationship, seeking personal pleasure becomes the focus. They have come to appreciate the importance of being made in the image and likeness of God and the value of internal freedom that comes from entering into a relationship with Him.

Deacon Ed acknowledges that love is under attack in today's world. The enemy seeks to distort the true meaning of love and erode trust in God and in one another. However, he encourages couples to trust in God's grace and to allow Jesus to define the love in their marriage. By surrendering control to Him, they can find peace and overcome their fears and anxieties.

To symbolize their commitment to God and each other, Deacon Ed and Anne Marie have placed Crucifixes in every room of their home. These serve as constant reminders of their journey and the love they have chosen to embrace. They serve as a visual representation of Jesus' example of love and the grace they receive through the sacrament of marriage.

In conclusion, Deacon Ed expresses his gratitude for his wife and the profound impact she has had on his life. He acknowledges that their love has deepened over the years as they have grown closer to Jesus. Their love is rooted in a noble purpose - to lead each other back to God. Through the challenges and joys of marriage, Deacon Ed and Anne Marie have learned that love endures all things.

As we celebrate Valentine's Day, let us reflect on the seasoned love of couples like Deacon Ed and Anne Marie. Their journey serves as a testament to the power of faith, intimacy, and the transformative love of God. May we all strive to cultivate a love that is rooted in God's plan and leads us closer to Him.