Greetings Prayer
Warriors,
This month marks the
50th Anniversary of Humanae
Vitae, an encyclical written by Pope Paul VI in 1968 on God’s plan for married love
and the transmission of human life. It
was very controversial at the time (and still is), because at the height of the sexual
revolution of the 60’s, it condemned birth control. Looking back however, it was quite prophetic. Think
about what has occurred in society over the last 50 years: infidelity, divorce,
pornography, casual sex, cohabitation, the sexualization of children, etc. Consider reading the
entire document, and prayerfully contemplating it’s message.
Section 17, Consequences of Artificial Methods
Responsible men
can become more deeply convinced of the truth of the doctrine laid down by the
Church on this issue if they reflect on the consequences of methods and plans
for artificial birth control. Let them first consider how easily this course of
action could open wide the way for marital infidelity and a general lowering of
moral standards. Not much experience is needed to be fully aware of human
weakness and to understand that human beings—and especially the young, who are
so exposed to temptation—need incentives to keep the moral law, and it is an
evil thing to make it easy for them to break that law. Another effect that
gives cause for alarm is that a man who grows accustomed to the use of
contraceptive methods may forget the reverence due to a woman, and,
disregarding her physical and emotional equilibrium, reduce her to being a mere
instrument for the satisfaction of his own desires, no longer considering her
as his partner whom he should surround with care and affection.
Who would have ever dreamed of any government’s interest in
other’s sexuality and even their “funding” the prevention of conception/birth?
Finally, careful consideration should be given to the
danger of this power passing into the hands of those public authorities who
care little for the precepts of the moral law. Who will blame a government
which in its attempt to resolve the problems affecting an entire country
resorts to the same measures as are regarded as lawful by married people in the
solution of a particular family difficulty? Who will prevent public authorities
from favoring those contraceptive methods which they consider more effective?
Should they regard this as necessary, they may even impose their use on
everyone.
The only conversation here is a personal one with yourself
and God. How might you move toward a
more intimate, respectful marriage?
Pray for each other as you make a daily commitment to live
your marriage vows as God intended. Rejoice in the fact that our God is rich in
mercy and love!
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Challenge yourself. Read, pray, then pass it on!
