Today’s Readings:
Ezekiel 16:1-15,60,63
Isaiah 12
Matthew 19:3-12
Marriage is a deeply spiritual relationship. It is a vocation to which not everyone is called, no matter how convinced you are about your qualification. It is also not a vocation that you should force or pressure anyone into. Prophet Ezekiel speaks of Israel’s relationship with God as a covenant between a man and a maiden. It a relationship that is marred by humanity’s infidelity to God. And we find this playing out in so-called relationships leading to marriage. In the Gospel, Jesus says that nothing can separate a validly contracted marriage — not even infidelity. This is because the sacrament of matrimony (validly contracted) is a union in God which spans all of one’s life. Nothing can end it except death.
So, if you wish to marry, keep the following in mind:
Make sure you fear God and are faithful to Him as a single person. Otherwise, marriage will be hard.
Marry only if you are sure you will remain in it until death.
You cannot marry if you lie and harbour secrets.
Marry someone you can pray with (e get why).
Marry only if you can trust your partner.
Marry only if you can defend them in public.
Marry someone you respect and will continue to respect.
Marry only if you intend to put your marriage before your career/business.
Marry only if you can sacrifice your needs for your family.
Marry only if you can control your appetites and emotions.
Marry only if you are debt-free.
Marry only if you are mentally stable.
Discuss any past traumas or sexual abuses and family health history before marriage.
Past sexual experiences or body counts are not CVs you present in marriage.
Discuss money and budgeting before marriage.
Seek out a spiritual director or marriage counsellor before and within marriage.
Save sexual intimacy (kissing, sex and staying the night) for marriage.
Frequent the sacraments of Penance and Communion (you will need it more than you know).
Take things one day at a time or you will be overwhelmed.
Marry only if you can forgive and excuse your partner.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Lord, help me to be faithful to You.
Lord, lead me to someone who respects me.
Lord, teach me to love and be responsible.
Lord, heal me of my traumas and addictions.
Lord, help me be in control of my appetites and emotions.
Lord, help me to see and serve You in others. Amen.
Lord, I need your grace to love others as I love myself and to love You more than everything else.
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