Marriage Is Under Constant Attack From A Culture That Is Out Of Control!
Father James Farfaglia - “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’
But I say to you, everyone who looks at a woman with lust has already
committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matthew 5: 27-28). These
words spoken by our Lord provide an excellent opportunity for us to
reflect upon the Sacrament of Marriage.The Sacrament of Marriage represents a lifelong commitment on the part of the spouses. For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do you part; marriage is forever.
Marriage Is Under Constant Attack
Increasingly, the dominant American culture has intensified the
barrage against marriage. Every day millions of living rooms are
inundated with lustful images depicted in soap operas, situation
comedies, movies, talk shows and music videos. Magazines extol immoral
lifestyles. Weekly tabloids play up the scandalous sexual proclivities
of film, sports and television celebrities.This onslaught against marriage has been relentless, seemingly working toward discrediting the notion of Christian marriage as an institution and cornerstone of society. It is very easy for married couples to become discouraged and overwhelmed. Since there is so much confusion about marriage, even among Catholics, it is important that we remember some basic facts about marriage as a sacrament.
7 Issues To Remember About Marriage
Solutions To The Above Situations
Case #1 – The couple will first need to split up, confess their
sin and receive absolution. They are more than welcome to marry in
the Catholic Church.Case #2 – The parents who have been tolerating this situation in their home, need to become more demanding and urge the couple to split up and marry in the Church. They need to reach out to the couple. They must not remain silent. They can be kind and welcoming, but they cannot allow sin to take place in their home. Case #3 – If no previous marriage exists, couples in these circumstances must go to Confession and then contract a valid marriage in the Catholic Church. Cases # 4 and #5 – Before these individuals can go to Confession and receive Communion, they will need to obtain an annulment. If there are no dependent children living in the household, they should split up until they have obtained the annulment. If there are dependent children in the home, the couple should avoid sexual intimacy by separating or by living in separate rooms until they have obtained the annulment. By living in a state of celibacy, they can then approach the Sacraments of Confession and Eucharist. Case #6 – Those having attempted marriage in this manner need to have the marriage validated and blessed by a Catholic priest. Case #7 –Ceremonies of this sort can never be marriages. Catholics must never attend these ceremonies because they give rise to scandal.
Catholics Have Become Increasingly Confused By Moral Relativism and Hedonism
Aside from all of the confusion caused by moral relativism and
hedonism, more Catholics in recent decades have become confused by the
alarming number of annulments being granted to Catholics.An annulment is not a Catholic divorce, as some mistakenly believe. A valid marriage signifies the full and free consent of a man and woman to live together in Holy Matrimony for the rest of their lives. An annulment means that an impediment exists which has hindered the full and free consent of those contracting marriage.
Many Marriages Have Failed Due To The Fact Couples Have Been Ill Prepared For Marriage
Many Catholic priests agree with my experience, that in the
majority of cases, the large number of failed marriages has
resulted from the couples having been insufficiently prepared for the
Sacrament of Marriage in the first place. Thorough and caring marriage
preparation for engaged couples is essential.Still, the best preparation for marriage is Christian chastity. It is this virtue of chastity that helps a married couple to remain faithful to one another. But, if young people are not being sufficiently challenged to cultivate this virtue, we may be marrying many who have developed profound Whether clergy or concerned lay people, we need to take the time to help young people live chastely in a very difficult world. Encouraging them to develop a rich Eucharistic life, to use the Sacrament of Confession frequently, to practice devotion to Mary and to avail themselves of on-going spiritual direction, all these are the proven ways by which we can help strengthen young people to live out their relationship with Jesus and each other.
The Church Cannot Capitulate To The Clamors Of The World
The Church must not capitulate to the clamors of the secular
world. By the holiness of their lives, both the clergy and married
couples can be a wonderful help to those who are called to the Sacrament
of Marriage.For those who are already married, mutual fidelity is the path that provides personal joy and peace. However, subject as we are to the effects of Original Sin, we are all fallen creatures of flesh and blood, and it is normal that fidelity can prove a struggle. For married couples a daily renewal of their personal commitment to their spouses, a well disciplined spiritual life and a realistic acceptance of their own personal limitations will provide the lasting strength to remain faithful until death. As a priest, I have always delighted in the exuberant joy of young couples as they marry and then bring their first child to the parish to be baptized. I have always admired those elderly couples, who after the many years of happiness and patience, still faithfully wear their wedding rings by now embedded in the worn and wrinkled fingers that have been tried by the adversities of life.
Chastity Is The Antidote To Lust
Although the Catholic Church upholds the indissolubility of
marriage, the Church always welcomes her children who are divorced and
separated. Those who suffer from difficult marital situations are
always welcomed as living members of Christ’s Church. Even in those
situations where individuals may not be able to participate fully in the
Eucharist, the doors of the Catholic Church remain open to
all, welcoming all to be living members of the family of God.No matter how difficult a personal history or situation may be, there is always a solution for those who are open to doing God’s will. And all those who are entrusted with the pastoral care of souls must be kind, patient, compassionate, understanding and willing to spend a lot of time ministering to all those who seek their loving care. This past Friday, we celebrated Saint Valentine’s Day. The annual celebration of this beautiful day provides married couples to renew their love for each other. This feast day also provides young people who are preparing for the Sacrament of Marriage to live a profoundly chaste love. Chastity is the antidote to lust. Lust is a distortion of love. Chastity is true love. Originally posted at: Father James.org
Discover More
 |
| from Courageous Priest
. |
|
