Today is Catechetical Sunday for the Church in the United States. This year’s theme is “Matrimony: Sacrament of Enduring Love”. Now, at first I was wondering, why Matrimony on Catechetical Sunday? Shouldn’t Matrimony be the theme on World Marriage Day? Then I began to reflect and to read more about this year’s theme and I realized how important matrimony is to catechesis.Most of us grew up in a Catholic family; our experience of Catholicism is directly related to our home life and family practice. For those who did not grow up in a Catholic environment I think you probably developed a “family” relationship with someone who led you to the faith. And now that you are practicing the faith you have met married persons who have been good examples of Catholic living.
Today, as you know, about half of all marriages end in divorce. The statistics for Catholics is about the same. After 26 years of priesthood, I can say that preparing couples for marriage has been one of the most important pastoral tasks. Contemporary couples face many obstacles to their marriage especially from today’s culture of non-commitment, abortion, and contraception. Married love is based on the love of Christ for us. This love must be generous, enduring, and fruitful. Christ asked us to love one another as He loved us. Now He loved us so much that He gave Himself totally by His passion and death on the cross. Husbands and wives should draw strength from the Lord’s sacrifice in making a generous gift of self in their daily life, offering their crosses and sacrifices for the good of their marriage and their children.
Married love is an enduring love. Christ who sits at the right hand of the Father never ceases to intercede for us. Couples should always ask for the “daily bread” of God’s grace to keep their marriage a permanent covenant that endures until death. Finally, married love is a fruitful love. Christ provided the fruit of sanctifying grace so that the Church would continue to grow throughout time by bringing to birth new members in the waters of Baptism. The primary end of marriage is the procreation and education of children. Children are a blessing from God. They help to strengthen the bond between husband and wife. The Church still regards the large family as desirable, in spite of the negative influences of today’s culture. I have known several large families; their members are very happy and well adjusted. Children learn important social skills and the spirit of sacrifice in larger families. May the Lord bless our couples with many beautiful children.
Let us pray today and always for our Catholic married couples and those who are preparing for marriage. May the holy couple, Mary and Joseph, intercede for them with Jesus.
Fr. Hildebrand
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