Fundamental Truths About Marriage

Objectives

1. To be reminded of what the sacrament of matrimony is.

2. To be empowered of its relevance in the modern time.

3. To be inspired to uphold the dignity and sanctity of marriage.

Expanded Outline

I. Introduction

There are many definitions that one can give about what Marriage is. One that is from the dictionary, one that is from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, another can be from our local parish, diocese or Bishop’s conference, and it can also be given by a random website. There are many versions of its definition. But do we ever ask - what is the truth about marriage? Why was it established? What are its purposes? Is it still relevant in today’s world?

II. Truths About Marriage

As Catholics, we believe that the fullness of truth about Christ is revealed to us, thus giving light and clarity to the very truths about the beautiful gift of marriage. One Catholic may ask, what are the fundamental truths about marriage?

1. Marriage is a Holy and Sacred

Marriage is a gift from God, and it is a way for couples to share in the love of Christ. It is a holy and sacred union that should be cherished and respected. It is sacred because the union between a man and a woman is blessed by God. It is from God, instituted by Himself, and He is present in every marriage witnessed by the holy, Catholic and apostolic Church.

2. Marriage is a Sacrament

By definition, sacraments are “efficacious signs of grace, instituted by Christ and entrusted to the Church, by which divine life is dispensed to us” (CCC 1131). In other words, a sacrament is a sacred and visible sign that is instituted by Jesus to give us grace, an undeserved gift from God. (See also CCC 1084).

Marriage is sacramental because it is Christ’s unbreakable love for his people. In marriage, the couple’s life, love, and witness can make Christ visible to others. All couples who took the Sacrament of Matrimony are invited to reveal God’s loving presence and generous action in the world.

3. Marriage is a Covenant

By definition, a covenant is more than a mere impersonal contract, in which two parties agree to an exchange of goods and services. A covenant binds persons together beyond the mere contractual agreement. Marriage is a prime example. While marriage has “contractual” elements and promises, it is a covenant that binds two persons together.

The Catholic Church believes marriage is a lifetime, exclusive partnership between a man and a woman, who give and receive mutual help and love and, from their union, bring forth children. Because marriage is a lifetime commitment, the decision to marry is one of the most serious decisions most people ever make.

4. Marriage is Biblical

As stated in the Sacred Scripture, God instituted marriage as the pinnacle of creation. Marriage was instituted when He created Eve and gave her as a companion to Adam. “The LORD God said: It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suited to him.” - Genesis 2:18

After the original sin was committed, He blessed them, saying, “Be fertile and multiply, fill the earth and subdue it” (Genesis 1: 27-28). The Scripture teaches that marriage is not simply a human institution. It is also something God established from the foundation of the world.

When Jesus Christ healed the people of sin and its effects, marriage is also recreated and made new in Christ. Jesus tells us that in the Kingdom of God, the original intention of God in the permanent union of husband and wife can be realized once more.

5. Marriage is between man and woman

According to the Catechism of the Council of Trent, ”marriage is a conjugal union between a man and a woman, both in legal status, in which they establish a perpetual and indissoluble union of lives. There are two goals in this union – procreation and education of the offspring and the mutual support of the spouses."

Marriage is a way to fulfill God's plan. Marriage is part of God's plan for humanity. We believe that God created men and women to be complementary partners and that marriage is the ideal setting for this relationship to flourish.

Marriage between man and woman builds family together. Marriage is a foundation for society. It’s the foundation for a stable and orderly society. It provides a stable environment for raising children and teaches children about the importance of commitment and responsibility.

These fundamental truths about marriage makes it a beautiful reality that is from God. May we always ponder these truths in our hearts.

III. Relevance of Marriage in the Modern Times

It is important to note that in today’s world, not  everyone believes that marriage is still relevant in today's world. Some people believe that marriage is an outdated institution that no longer serves a purpose. Others believe that marriage is still a valid and important institution, but that it needs to be updated to reflect the changing needs of society. That is why there are unions of the same sex, civil unions, and many other types.

But the question remains, is it still relevant? What do we tell someone who asks us “Is marriage still important nowadays? Why get married in the Church?” Here are some answers:

1. Marriage gives us graces from God

Getting married in the Catholic Church gives us graces. There is an increase in Sanctifying Grace, which makes the couple spiritually stronger. The couple receive Sacramental Grace of Matrimony, which:

• Perfects the natural love of husband and wife;

• Elevates this love to a supernatural level which far surpasses mere mental and physical compatibility.

• Gives to marital love a sanctifying quality, making it an instrument for growth in holiness and marriage a path to sainthood.

• Imparts conscientiousness in the begetting and rearing of children.

• Gives prudence in the innumerable problems consequent upon family life.

• Enables husband and wife to adjust to one another’s shortcomings and to bear with one another’s faults.

2. Marriage Creates A Bond Between the Spouses

Getting married in the church, creates a bond between the spouses, “From a valid marriage arises a bond between the spouses which by its very nature is perpetual and exclusive; furthermore, in a Christian marriage the spouses are strengthened and, as it were, consecrated for the duties and the dignity of their state by a special sacrament.” (CCC1638) So we can say that there is a special strength that is created when a couple gets married in the Catholic Church.

3. Marriage Blesses The Greater Community

In marriage, the couple’s life, love, and witness can make Christ visible to others. All couples who took the Sacrament of Matrimony are invited to reveal God’s loving presence and generous action in the world.

Married couples also form a permanent, life-giving community. They live as communities that spread God’s blessings, reach out to heal the brokenness of the family and the world, and share their gifts with those around them.

Happily married couples show the others what it means to be in a loving relationship where Christ is the center. They also let others know the gift of faithful married life and love. They have the potential to show others what it means to embody the life of the Holy Spirit within them.

IV. Practical Application Of Theses Truths In Our Own Marriages

Of course, marriage is not without its challenges. Married couples may experience conflict, disagreements, and financial problems. However, scientific research shows that married couples who are able to work through these challenges are happier and healthier.

So the challenge for every married couple is to live out these truths in our own marriages.

• Let us have a daily recognition that our marriage is a gift from God.

• Let husbands and wives come together and form a family, which is essential for the continuation of the human race.

• Let us strive to make our marriage a symbol of the love between Christ and the Church.

• Let us live-out our lifelong commitment to our spouses.

• Let our marriages be an avenue for couples to grow in holiness.

• Let our marriages be a way for couples to build a strong and lasting foundation for their families.

V. Conclusion

Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman, created by God. It is not a human construct, but rather a gift from God. Marriage is a lifelong commitment between two people who love and respect each other. Husbands and wives are called to love each other as Christ loves the Church. Marriage is a sacrament that unites a couple in body, mind, and spirit. It is a vocation, a calling from God to love and serve one another.

Discussion Questions:

As husband and wife, what graces did you receive through the Sacrament of Matrimony?

How can you, as a married couple, live out more the fundamental truths in your own marriage?