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“Sacament of Matrimony”
July 2nd, 2009 by
From the Pastor:
“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness ”(I Cor 12:9). The second reading from the 14th Sunday in Ordinary time gives insight into grace. The Sacraments gives us grace and this week we take a look at the Sacrament of Matrimony. It is the grace of this Sacrament that will help the couple to overcome the weakness of sin.
Who instituted the Sacrament of Matrimony? God Himself instituted marriage at the very beginning of the human race when He created Adam and Eve. “Therefore, a man leaves his father and his mother and cleaves to his wife and they become one flesh” (Gen 2:24). Marriage was instituted by God for two reasons: a) For the procreation and education of children. b) For mutual holiness and love fulfilled by the husband and wife.
Who marries the couple? They marry one another in the presence of the priest. This mutual consent to each other produces an indissoluble bond. Now they are instruments of God’s grace for one another, imitate the love Christ has for His Church. Marriage is the best human example of love, because in it, we see a reflection of the deep and faithful love of Jesus for his followers.
What are some obstacles facing marriage today? Many marriage problems begin before the day of matrimony. Often they are living together before marriage in an impure relationship. Couples using contraception reduces their chances to stay married and base the relationship on pleasure rather than sacrifice. Some couples because there is a lack of catechesis put more emphasis on exterior looks rather than the interior grace given from the Sacrament of Matrimony. Pride in both spouses presents a real problem in the communication of love. Love demands we think of the other person first. One of the biggest difficulties is that many couples don’t understand true love.
How then does the Church assist couples in the Sacrament of Matrimony? Couples need to have extra preparation for the Sacrament of Matrimony. That is why we ask they notify us 6-8 months prior to the desired marriage. Previous marriages need to be reviewed or sought for annulment before the freedom to marry is granted. Couples must sincerely desire the truth of the Church. The Church only wants to help aid the couples in the grace of this Sacrament. Prayer, purity, modesty, humility and honesty must be integral parts of the couples life. The priest is there to guide them toward the altar and help young people to enter the Sacrament of Matrimony where grace abounds for their journey on earth.
Anointing of the Sick
June 26th, 2009 by
From the Pastor:
The Gospel of Mark gives us a clear passage for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Jairus ask Jesus, “Please come lay your hands on her that she may get well and live” (5:23). Today there are many misunderstandings about this Sacrament. The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick is administered to anyone who is seriously ill and those who are in danger of death due to old age. Jesus showed great love and compassion for those who were sick and suffering.
The priest continues the work of Christ through the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacred anointing was instituted by Christ our Lord as a true and proper sacrament of the New Testament. It is alluded to indeed by Mark, but is recommended to the faithful and promulgated by James the Apostle.
These are the essential parts to this Sacrament. The Sacrament consists in the blessing said by the priest and holy oil. The priest anoints the sick person on the forehead and tops of both hands. It can be received more than once in times of serious illness. It gives the sick special graces that enable them to have a deep sorrow for their sins. This sorrow is required to have sins forgiven. It may restore the person to health. Often the person can receive not only a physical healing but a spiritual healing also.
Today some Catholics shy away from receiving the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick because they feel if the priest anoints them death will follow immediately. This Sacrament is good for us because it helps prepare us to see Our Lord. Catholics should never put off calling the priest at the last moment. It is always best to call the priest soon when there is a serious health issue. Priests today live a busy life and may not be able to get there for some time.
What then does the Church ask the sick to do? The Church asks the sick to help their fellow Christians by offering their sufferings in union with the sufferings of Christ. It doesn’t do any good to let suffering go to waste. We should use our suffering for the good of souls. In turn, we receive grace for our own salvation.
The Anointing of the Sick prepares us for eternal life, if it is our time to die. It also promotes healing and the restoration of health, if it is God’s will that we serve Him still longer here on earth. We can contribute to the welfare of the Church, not only by repairing the damage done by ours sins, but also my meriting grace for the Holiness of the people of God. This week let us examine the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick.
