Too many headlines these days tout the decline of traditional marriage in our land. As a Christian people, it is incumbent on us to preserve, to provide and to promote the good things God has given to us and to the world. Marriage certainly is not the least among these blessings. In fact, it is one of the greatest of God’s gifts to humanity, so much so that He desires continuously to be a part of it.
One of the notable contributions of modern Catholic biblical scholarship is the expansion of covenant theology. This term encapsulates the notion that God’s relationship with His chosen people throughout salvation history is nuptial in character—that is, He relates to us as a spouse in a marriage-like covenant. The permanent nature of the marriage bond rests largely on the fact that God is a participating member in this covenant, always faithful and true to His word (unlike most humans).
Jesus had several purposes in mind when He established the Church. One of them was to provide a means to preserve the truths taught to and by the Apostles. Another was to create an institution from which the Sacraments could be dispensed. Thus the Catholic Church has the authority and the responsibility to provide regulations regarding marriages entered into by her members.
The essential characteristics of Christian marriage—permanence, fidelity, openness to children—are featured when a couple (including a Catholic) makes promises regarding these things before God, a priest and other witnesses to the vows. A valid marriage bond, as well as the grace of the Sacrament of Marriage (when both parties are baptized), is provided by God to every couple that includes a Catholic whose marriage is entered into according to the marriage norms established by the Catholic Church.
Some baptized Catholics who want to get married do so without the involvement of a priest. Such civil marriages are not recognized by God or by His Church. Catholics in these non-valid unions exclude themselves (sometimes unknowingly) from the privilege and grace of receiving the Sacraments of Penance and the Eucharist, while also excluding themselves from the honor of serving as a sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation, among other things. The consequences are more severe than some realize.
Many Catholics in such situations come later to the Church to have their marriages "regularized" by an exchange of vows before a priest in accord with Church norms. Once they have done so, the privileges formerly disallowed are restored. Just as spouses sometimes separate for a time to work things out and then are reunited, so also Catholics at times are separated temporarily from Jesus and the Church. When they return, Christ and the other members of His Mystical Body rejoice at the sacramental reunion of these Catholics with their spiritual spouse (the Lord, present in His Sacraments).
Naturally, it is ideal when Catholics follow Church norms from the start. This way, they deny themselves neither the graces of the Marriage Sacrament nor the other benefits mentioned earlier. Marriage in the Church is a way for Christ’s disciples to proclaim the Good News about marriage by including Jesus in the process. Christ established the Church as His spouse in order to provide us with the greatest happiness possible. Following His norms for marriage provides personal spiritual benefits and proclaims the Gospel to others. This time-tested course has provided centuries of marital success.
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