Greetings Prayer Warriors,
“The sacrament of
Matrimony establishes a perpetual and exclusive bond between the spouses. God
himself seals the consent of the spouses. Therefore, a marriage which is ratified
and consummated between baptized persons can never be dissolved. Furthermore,
this sacrament bestows upon the spouses the grace necessary to attain holiness
in their married life and to accept responsibly the gift of children and
provide for their education.
CCC 1638-1642
Interestingly, the catechetical teaching above happened to
land in my inbox today and several parts jumped out at me. What parts touch you? While a marriage “can never be dissolved” may
hit a chord with some, I was struck by the statement that through the sacrament
of marriage, [Christ] bestows upon the
spouses the grace necessary to attain holiness.
WOW! The grace is there, but
are we accepting this gift?
Marital difficulties arise in all marriages, but do we pause
to consider that these difficulties may be a grace which creates a path to
holiness? Perhaps if our faith is at least that of a mustard seed, His grace will
do the rest. Our marriages will
flourish, no longer withered by the heat, but shaded by time, fortitude,
sacrifice, and patience.
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse
ourselves from every defilement of flesh and spirit, making holiness perfect in
the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
Be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and
put on the new self, created in God’s way in righteousness and holiness of
truth. Ephesians 4:23-24
Thank you almighty
God, for the generosity of your grace.
Help us to always have the faith to believe that you will never leave
us, that you fortify each marriage with all the grace needed for the journey,
and that you will help us each attain holiness.
You are our hope. May we be with
you forever in eternity!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
We've already been given the grace!
Pass it on!
