Greetings Prayer Warriors,
Have you ever met anyone who stated that marriage was easy? Neither have I. Yet from the beginning, Christ willed that man and women come together, live a life ordered to the good of each other, make a lifetime matrimonial covenant before him, and procreate. So important was the institution of marriage that God willed that his Son come into the world via a family. God never promised Mary and Joseph their lives would be easy, but He did promise His abundant grace.
Today’s culture completely promotes the dissolubility of marriage. After over a half century of a rising divorce rate, we have seen not only the breakdown of the family, but the entire societal culture. As a result, there’s a crumbling of morality, a rising hate of Christian principles, and a quest for money and power, rather than a desire for holiness and godliness.
The catechism states:
“This unequivocal insistence on the indissolubility of the marriage bond may have left some perplexed and could seem to be a demand impossible to realize. However, Jesus has not placed on spouses a burden impossible to bear, or too heavy - heavier than the Law of Moses.” CCC 1615
The Pharisees approached and asked, “Is it lawful for a husband to divorce his wife?” They were testing him. He said to them in reply, “What did Moses command you? They replied, “Moses permitted him to write a bill of divorce and dismiss her.” But Jesus told them, “Because of the hardness of your hearts he wrote you this commandment. But from the beginning of creation, ‘God made them male and female. For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother [and be joined to his wife], and the two shall become one flesh.’ So, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate.” Mark 10:2-9
“By coming to restore the original order of creation disturbed by sin, he himself gives the strength and grace to live marriage in the new dimension of the Reign of God. It is by following Christ, renouncing themselves, and taking up their crosses that spouses will be able to "receive" the original meaning of marriage and live it with the help of Christ.” CCC 1615
“Whoever wishes to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. Mark 8:34
Lord, grant all married couples a renewal in faith, a greater commitment to love, and the peace to know you will never leave their side. Give them the courage to completely trust in you and resist the enticement of a culture that promises freedom, by cutting their tether to you. Lord, hear our collective prayers and be their strength! Amen.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light.” Matthew 11:29-30
Peace, Joy, and Love,
Janet
Someone you know is experiencing a marital tsunami. Pray for them, let them know we are too, and pass it on!
