MARRIAGE
Witnessing God’s love to one another
The DNA of marriage By Deacon Santos Jones
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Contributor
Like all friendships, there will be disagreements, and for many people, that can be a challenge. There is the notion that marriage is like a romantic movie or should have a fairytale-like ending in which “they lived happily ever after.” The reality is that there will be unexpected challenges, miscommunication, disappointments, and there will inevitably be conflict. But how do couples move beyond these sources of division? We cannot continue to look through rose-colored glasses. We must accept that there are difficulties and challenges in the Christian life. Jesus, before His Ascension, reminded his disciples, “In the world you will have trouble” (Jn 16:33). The sacrament of marriage itself is not outside of this, nor is any other vocation. When conflicts arise in marriage, spouses should not disparage, but realize that it is a natural and healthy part of marriage.
DEPOSIT PHOTO
n my few years of ministry, I have found it humbling and inspiring to share in the joys and sorrows of the families to whom I minister. Whether it be witnessing a couple’s love and outlook on life as I prepare them for marriage, or see their love made manifest in their child brought forth to the waters of baptism or to be with spouses as they say their farewell at death. What is evident is their love for one another. You yourself have probably participated in these many sacred moments, you too have witnessed how marriage is the closest and most intimate of all human friendships that reflects the love of God. Indeed, marriage is an intimate communion of love and life, which God has made love-giving and life-giving. The person shares their whole self, their whole life with their spouse, including the good, the bad and the ugly.
M AY T H E Y A L L B E O N E
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WINTER 2020 -2021
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