The Union of Marriage and Its Sacred Purpose
Summary
- Teaching Catholic Courtship to Children
- Conditions for a Catholic Marriage
- Unity and Sacrifice in Marriage
- The Role of Grace in Unity
- The Goal of Absolute Union
- Communication and Sacrifice
Teaching Catholic Courtship to Children
For those already in marriage, it’s too late to change the past, but you can still teach your children about good Catholic courtship and the importance of the union in marriage. Teach them that certain conditions are non-negotiable. For example, the Church’s emphasis on no marriage with non-Catholics, as this fundamentally divides the couple’s spiritual direction. Make sure they understand that marriage requires unity in faith and purpose, which starts with choosing a partner who shares these values.
Conditions for a Catholic Marriage
When discussing courtship with children, teach them that certain conditions must be met for a relationship to succeed. Faith is essential, as is an agreement on family life. This includes understanding each other’s roles within the marriage. A couple must work toward a union of shared purpose, even if one may need to conform more to the other. This unity is essential for a marriage to flourish.
Unity and Sacrifice in Marriage
Unity between spouses is vital. Children should not become the sole purpose of marriage; rather, they are part of its ends, not its entirety. When unity between spouses is neglected, the children’s education and formation are affected. A lack of unity creates a cycle where each generation struggles more to achieve a stable marriage. For unity to thrive, both spouses must work towards it, sometimes requiring more effort on one side than the other.
The Role of Grace in Unity
Grace is central to the Catholic understanding of marriage. Grace, a created version of God, lives within us and unites us to God. It is so intrinsic that it becomes part of our essence. Just as grace elevates us beyond our natural state, it also elevates marriage to something beyond a mere human union. This unity, founded on grace, reflects God’s love and draws the couple closer to each other and to God.
The Goal of Absolute Union
Saint Paul’s words, “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the Church,” emphasize the goal of unity in marriage. The Church is called the mystical body of Christ, demonstrating a union so strong that there is little distinction between the two. In marriage, the goal is similar—each spouse should be so united that their wills, preferences, and lives are deeply intertwined. Although challenging, this ideal of unity is what all Catholic marriages should aspire toward.
Communication and Sacrifice
Effective communication is the foundation for building unity. Both spouses must work towards a common goal, with neither side solely responsible for all the work. When unity is difficult to achieve, seek help through prayer, a priest, or a therapist. Sacrifice is necessary for unity, as giving of oneself fosters deeper connection. This requires humility, patience, and often, prayer. By working together, spouses can strengthen their union, mirroring the grace that binds them in marriage.