In the society in which we live, commitment is not nearly as highly valued as it once was. We live in a consumer culture in which much is wasted, from food to clothes to electronics. We discard and replace things once they no longer suit our desires. How wasteful we easily can be.
Sadly, the institution of marriage has fallen prey to our American way of thinking about so many less important things. Many folks nowadays have the tendency to treat marriage as a disposable commodity. If it does not work out exactly as planned, or if hardships befall the relationship, divorce is too often pursued as a quick, ready-made solution. But there’s always a price to pay—and sometimes it is much higher than people realize.
In a few short days, the Church will celebrate the Lord’s Ascension into heaven. For the Apostles and many of Jesus’ disciples this was a very difficult time. A rollercoaster of emotions filled them as they experienced dashed hopes from their friend being crucified, then remorse for abandoning Him once they realized He was alive, and finally unfettered joy at being reunited with their Lord and Savior. Jesus’ ascension meant that they would be separated once again.
But, not to worry! Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit as another advocate and guide. They would not be alone on their spiritual journey—not then, not ever! The Bridegroom would not abandon His Bride, the Church. In fact, the Holy Spirit would step in and more than compensate for the physical absence of Jesus. The Bride would enjoy Jesus’ nearness forever.
Everyone knows that marriage, too, can at times feel like a rollercoaster ride. Not only the emotions swing drastically at times, but even the way husbands and wives relate to each other changes over time. Nothing new here! What is new, unfortunately, is the way couples respond to such changes that challenge their resolve in the marital relationship. Sometimes spouses forget that they promised to be true to their love and commitment to one another "in good times and in bad." What is vowed in marriage is no more (and no less) than what Christ promises us—namely, faithful love throughout our lives. The marriage covenant is to mirror that divine love for the whole world to see and to imitate. Married couples are true evangelizers in this respect.
Couples blessed by valid sacramental marriages have the Holy Spirit’s special help that fortifies all of their natural abilities and provides the extra graces needed to withstand the typical daily challenges as well as the cultural attacks that make living out the marriage ideal difficult—oftentimes heroic—in our times. God provides plentiful actual graces also to those who presently do not enjoy these sacramental benefits but who desire nonetheless to be more closely united to Him. The Church and its priests are ready to help all to achieve this full sacramental communion.
God created the beautiful institution of marriage so that couples could make life’s journey with a partner who ‘completes’ them. The fulfillment of that goal is made possible and is made joyful by our Lord’s companionship along the way, for individuals and couples alike. May Jesus’ fidelity to us be mirrored by the commitment of spouses to each other. Dedication to God’s Church and His plan will bear fruit in fidelity to the marriage covenant itself. May we always embrace and pursue ideals that stem from a committed love for Jesus and one another.
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