The Word Became Flesh
Marriage certainly has been in the news a great deal lately. Unfortunately, this has not been for good reasons.
Almost daily, the news media reports on efforts for the state and the nation to recognize same-sex marriages. During recent decades, the dignity of marriage has been eroded by a permissive culture, as well as by the attempts of the television and film industry to push for the acceptance of homosexual unions and activity as normal.
At the same time, the increased number of marriages ending in divorce, the contraceptive attitude propounded by society, as well as the casual attitude toward cohabitation, all have contributed toward an assault on marriage and family life. When marriage and family are destabilized, society itself is destabilized.
The Church constantly and clearly upholds the dignity of marriage, the bond of love between a man and a woman, as instituted by God, as well as the profound impact which marriage has on society.
Vatican Council II, in the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, teaches: “The intimate partnership of life and the love which constitutes the married state has been established by the creator and endowed by him with its own proper laws: it is rooted in the contract of the partners, that is, in their irrevocable personal consent. It is an institution confirmed by the divine law and receiving its stability, even in the eyes of society, from the human act by which the partners surrender themselves to each other; for the good of the partners, of the children, and of society this sacred bond no longer depends on human decision alone.
“For God himself is the author of marriage and has endowed it with various benefits and with various ends in view: all of these have a very important bearing on the continuation of the human race, on the personal development and eternal destiny of every member of the family, on the dignity, stability, peace and prosperity of the family and of the whole human race” (Gaudium et Spes, 48).
The teaching of the Council certainly seems like an overwhelming task for married couples. Yet, in reality, every marriage rooted in Christ, has that awesome ability to influence society and guide culture toward embracing Gospel values.
The Teaching of Jesus
St. Mark the Evangelist relates a significant moment in the teaching ministry of Jesus. When some Pharisees attempt to test Jesus on His interpretation of the Law of Moses on divorce, Jesus takes the opportunity to remind them of the origin and permanence of marriage.
Jesus told them, "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" (Mk 10: 6-9).
The Church adheres to this teaching of Jesus and, in the celebration of the marriage ritual, these words are proclaimed to remind the bride and groom of the permanence of the union in which they have entered.
A Reason to Celebrate
On Sunday, May 2, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, I had the honor of celebrating Mass for 626 couples who have been married for 25 and 50 or more years. One couple is celebrating 70 years of marriage. When we consider the beautiful witness of the commitment and conviction of these couples, we have a true reason to celebrate.
Contrary to a culture which views commitment as impossible, these couples have persevered in their marriage covenant. They demonstrate that a life-long commitment is not only possible, it is wonderful.
We also marvel at all which they have accomplished. Many have nurtured children and grandchildren, sharing with them the gift of Faith. Many have survived hardships, struggles and setbacks of all sorts, and yet, these couples have stayed together, embracing the promises which, in the presence of Christ, they made to each other on their wedding day.
Truly, these married couples are unsung heroes. Their example has formed, educated and sustained in the Catholic Faith people of all ages. In a quiet and gentle manner, these couples have had a tremendous influence, not only on their children, but also on friends and neighbors who have looked to these couples and have found an inspiration for what Christian marriage is all about.
These couples have a positive impact on society as they continue to show, through their life-giving and self-giving love, that marriage and family rooted in Gospel values bring order, stability and hope to the contemporary world.
On behalf of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, and, indeed, the entire Church, I express my gratitude for the devoted witness of their vocation to Christian marriage. I encourage all of the faithful to join me in extending our congratulations and promise of prayers to these couples and their families.
Let our prayer for these couples echo the words of the Nuptial Blessing from the Ritual of Marriage: "Lord, may they both praise you when they are happy and turn to you in their sorrows. May they be glad that you help them in their work and know that you are with them in their need. May they pray to you in the community of the Church, and be your witnesses in the world. May they reach old age in the company of their friends, and come at last to the kingdom of heaven."
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