The idea of the term “marriage,” has been one that intrigues me whenever I think of it. It can mean an alliance, amalgamation, affiliation, a union, fusion, combination, etc., of two or more elements or entities in some visible way.
In the sacramental marriage of a man and a woman, any of the above terms can define it too but then a bond arises between the spouses which by its very nature, is perpetual and exclusive. This is so because this is the only form of ‘marriage’ that hugely depend on the mutual exchange of consent by the spouses themselves. It is not the priest or deacon or any other minister officiating the ceremony that initiates the bond of marriage. Hence, this is the one sacrament in the Catholic Church that the man and the woman administer by themselves having every other person present as “witness,” including the officiating minister.
The grace of this sacrament is intended to perfect the couple’s love and to strengthen their indissoluble unity. Hence, they can help one another to attain holiness in their married life and in the welcoming and educating their children.
But one cannot gainsay the fact that there are lots of challenges that threaten the bond of marriage today. Challenges that range from infidelity to over familiarity of one’s spouse that leads to disrespect, disregard, and even at times, violence that end up making the union a threat to life itself.
Today, I pray for all married couples, from the newlyweds to those in their 70th year of marriage, for God’s grace and blessings that flow from the sacrament of Holy Matrimony to be abundant for you all. I pray for God’s strength and endurance for those having difficulties in their marriage, for those trying their best to save their union and for those who are on the brink of separation. I pray that you will continue to see in your spouse that love and values that attracted you both, and for renewal of that love that no deep water can quench nor flood sweep away. May the Holy Spirit enkindle in you the fire of His love to renew your marriage bond.
Let us pray: “Be attentive to our prayers, O Lord, and in your kindness uphold what you have established for the increase of the human race, so that the union you have created may be kept safe by your assistance”…Amen – Collect for the Celebration of Marriage, A.
Fr. Stan