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.
