The sacrament of Marriage is not just a ritual you will celebrate on your wedding day. Your wedding rite is the door that opens your heart to the graces you need to be a credible icon of Jesus’ love each day of your life—a sacrament of God’s love. Being married in the Church in a sacramental marriage is an act of faith that brings you many graces. It is because of your faith that you allow yourself to be touched by God and love your spouse in good times and bad. You let the example of Jesus and the prompting of the Holy Spirit guide you and influence you every day.
• When you are upset and hurt in your relationship, it will be your faith that urges you to turn to Jesus who will guide you back to each
other.
• When you bask in the love of your spouse, it will be your faith that helps you recognize the gift God has given you in marriage.
• If and when you receive the gift of a child, your faith will help you begin to comprehend the miracle of life, and to humbly give thanks
to God, author of all life.
• As you raise your child, your faith will urge you to turn to the Holy Spirit for courage and inspiration as he or she becomes a part of
God’s love story.
It is through the practice of your faith that you will grow in understanding your call to be husband and wife. It is through your participation in
the sacraments that you will receive the grace and the strength to resist temptations that can pull you apart.
While explaining the sacrament of Marriage to those attending one of his General Audiences in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Francis said, “The real wedding gift is this: Your marriage is a reflection of the Holy Trinity, and with the grace of Christ, you are a living and credible icon of God and his love.”
What thoughts come to mind when you read that by getting married you enter a life of service?
In what ways will entering a sacramental marriage make a difference in your life?
If you are not a Catholic, how do you feel about the Catholic view of marriage as a life lived in the service of God?
This excerpt from The Joined by Grace Couple’s Book is reprinted with permission of Ave Maria Press.
John Bosio is a former marriage and family therapist, director of religious education, and diocesan family life coordinator. He and his wife, Teri, wrote Joined by Grace, a marriage preparation program from Ave Maria Press.
