Far more often than is generally acknowledged, those whose love for one another is marked by a particular intimacy and spiritual kinship are invited to continue together beyond the grave. Such unions — sometimes known as "eternal marriages" — come into existence because they are part of the divine scheme. True love expresses the sacred promise that love is stronger than death. And in going the distance on this promise, the two beloveds drink deeply of that complete self-surrender in love that is at the heart of all spiritual experience. In a particularly pointed way, they follow the pattern of Christ.
— Cynthia Bourgeault, Love Is Stronger than Death