In the story of the creation of Adam and Eve it is clear that man and woman were created to help, to support,to compliment each other. What a joy it must have been for God to bring woman to man - and man to woman! Because we are all made in the image of God, in his likeness, we must all find each other in joy and love, whether we are married or not.
By bringing Eve to Adam, God shows all humans their true calling - to be helpers who reveal his love to the world. And by bringing us his son,Jesus, he shows us that he will never leave us lonely or without help. Jesus himself said, "I will not leave you orphaned; I will come to you." He promises us that "the one who has received my commandments and obeys them - he it is who loves me; and he who loves me will be loved by my Father; and I will love him and disclosed myself to him" (John 14:18-21).
Who can understand the depth of these words and the hope they bring to our troubled world? The loneliest, most discouraged, disillusioned people may be assured that God will never forsake them. Even if they are unable to find human friendship, they will never be alone as long as they hold on to God. God brought Adam and Eve together to heal their loneliness and to set them free from their one-sidedness, and he has the same plan for every man and woman he brings together in marriage.
Yet marriage in itself cannot bring wholeness. Unless we abide in Christ, we will bear no fruit. When we love him who alone is our support, our hope, and our life, we can be secure in knowing and loving one another, But if we isolate ourselves inwardly from Christ,nothing will go well. He alone holds everything together and gives us access to God and to others (Col.1:17-20).
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thursday, August 9, 2012
God is the source and the object of true love
Marriage is not the highest goal of life. God's image is reflected most brightly and completely where there is love first for him and then for our brothers and sisters. In true Christian marriage, then the husband will lead his wife and children not to himself, but to God. In the same way, a wife will support her husband as a helper,and together they will lead their children to honour them as father and mother, and to love God as their creator. To be a helper to another on God's behalf is not just an obligation, but a gift. How different our relationships would be if we rediscoved this! We live in a time when fear and mistrust grip us everywhere we go. Where is love, the love that builds community and the church?
There are two kinds of love. One is turned selflessly toward others and their well-being. The other is possessive and limited to the ego. Augustine says, "Love is the self of the soul, the hand of the soul. When it holds one thing, it cannot hold something else. If it is to hold what one gives it, it has to put down what it is holding." God's love desires nothing. It gives and sacrifices itself, for this is its joy.
Love always has its roots in God. May God grant that the power of his love grips anew. It will lead us to others, to share our lives with them. More than that, it will lead us to the kingdom. Love is the secret of God's coming kingdom.
There are two kinds of love. One is turned selflessly toward others and their well-being. The other is possessive and limited to the ego. Augustine says, "Love is the self of the soul, the hand of the soul. When it holds one thing, it cannot hold something else. If it is to hold what one gives it, it has to put down what it is holding." God's love desires nothing. It gives and sacrifices itself, for this is its joy.
Love always has its roots in God. May God grant that the power of his love grips anew. It will lead us to others, to share our lives with them. More than that, it will lead us to the kingdom. Love is the secret of God's coming kingdom.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
UNDERSTANDING PSYCHO MEDICAL CHALLENGES IN MARRIAGE
For the past two decades swift, sweeping, scientific, cultural, technological changes and globalization have impacted the family and rendered it vulnerable. The current state of decline in society can largely be traced to the lack of importance attached to the well-being of humanity. But attacks both subtle and overt have led to the increasing breakdown of marriage and family. Hence we see families faced with various pressures and challenges that render the family dysfunction and prevent the growth of family life and strengthening of the spousal bond. My task through this presentation is to place before you the source of psycho- medical challenges, the signs of these challenges and the possible strategies so that this awareness may empower couples strengthen the spousal bond and doing so, build family which is the sanctuary of life, love and communion.
the psycho- medical challenges that prevent intimacy and life-giving relationships could be broadly classified as Internal factors within the spousal bond and External factors beyond the spousal bond.
INTERNAL FACTORS- INTRAPERSONAL
FAMILY OF ORIGIN : Our family of origin has great impact on our identity and communication. The unique person that I am has its roots in the family of origin because we wrote our life scripts there. These scripts depended on how we were loved, accepted, understood and affirmed by our caregivers. We also learnt patterns of communication in our family. that is precisely why family is the first school of relationships. the family of origin impacts our ability to love, to communicate and to contribute to the spousal relationship
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION : Sexual dysfunction is defined as difficulty during any stage of the process of sexual intercourse,. It has to do either with Inhibited sexual desire, Inhibited Sexual arousal, Inhibited orgasm and painful sexual intercourse, which prevents the spouses from enjoying Sexual or physical intimacy.
Inhibited Sexual Desire also referred to as libido is a crisis that arises from physical or psychological factors. It presents a lack or absence of interest in sexual activity. Contributing factors include non- acceptance of sexuality as a gift, anxiety, job related stress, financial loans, unresolved spousal conflicts and self image issues. Inhibited sexual desire could result through the use of medication. the common side effect of combined oral contraceptives and the use of anti- depressants, hypertensive drugs and mood stabilizers have shown a decrease in sexual desire. Depression also has a profound effect on sexual intimacy. 75% of those with depression cause sexual dysfunction.
Inhibited Sexual Arousal is understood as the failure to achieve erection despite strong sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction is a common sign and manifests in the male as failure to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to facilitate penetration . Erectile dysfunction is often associated with Vascular disease and Diabetes Mellitus. Performance anxiety may result in inhibited sexual arousal. Premature Ejaculation features within this and is responsible for great spousal stress since the basic need of sexual intimacy is not met. Inhibited orgasm hinders sexual arousal and is often brought about by fear, embarrassment, untreated anger, stress, traumatic sexual experiences of the past as in child sexual abuse, social conditioning (Sex is for procreation only) and deeply entrenched taboos (sex is dirty). Painful sexual intercourse is seen in women in the form of Vaginimus and dysparunia both of which should be understood and treated.
SYMPTOMS
In ability to feel aroused and lack of interest. Relational / psychological problems / hormonal problems.
MEN WOMEN
1 . Delay / absence of ejaculation despite 1. Burning or pain in vulva / vagina
despite stimulation
2. Inability to have an erection 2. Inability to reach orgasm.
3. In ability to control timing of ejaculation 3. Inability to relax vaginal muscles
4 Inability to sustain erection adequately for for intercourse
intercourse. 4. Inadequate vaginal lubrication.
TREATMENT :
Accurate Understanding of Sexuality as a quality of personality. A Holistic approach to Intimacy as a process
Call you doctor if symptoms persist
Medication to treat root cause
Hormonal replacement in therapy (deficiency )
Behavioral therapy
Couple therapy- inter-persona issues / conflicts
Psycho-therapy to address anxiety fear and inhibitions.a- personal
Intra-personal factors.........Psycho- medical challenges.....infertility and diseases.
Physical deficiency in form of disease , accidents , metabolic disorders , hormonal deficiencies ,birth defects (Klinefelter syndrome , Cryptoorchidism ) absence of organs , pelvic inflammatory disease ectopic pregnancy all contribute to infertility and are a major source of stress in the life of the spouses.
Mental health disorders such as depression, Anxiety disorders, Adjustment disorders , Post-traumatic stress disorders Obsessive compulsive disorders , Paranoia , Bipolar personality disorders incapacitate the individuals and prevent them from entering fully and responding to the demands of an adult relationship .
the psycho- medical challenges that prevent intimacy and life-giving relationships could be broadly classified as Internal factors within the spousal bond and External factors beyond the spousal bond.
INTERNAL FACTORS- INTRAPERSONAL
FAMILY OF ORIGIN : Our family of origin has great impact on our identity and communication. The unique person that I am has its roots in the family of origin because we wrote our life scripts there. These scripts depended on how we were loved, accepted, understood and affirmed by our caregivers. We also learnt patterns of communication in our family. that is precisely why family is the first school of relationships. the family of origin impacts our ability to love, to communicate and to contribute to the spousal relationship
SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION : Sexual dysfunction is defined as difficulty during any stage of the process of sexual intercourse,. It has to do either with Inhibited sexual desire, Inhibited Sexual arousal, Inhibited orgasm and painful sexual intercourse, which prevents the spouses from enjoying Sexual or physical intimacy.
Inhibited Sexual Desire also referred to as libido is a crisis that arises from physical or psychological factors. It presents a lack or absence of interest in sexual activity. Contributing factors include non- acceptance of sexuality as a gift, anxiety, job related stress, financial loans, unresolved spousal conflicts and self image issues. Inhibited sexual desire could result through the use of medication. the common side effect of combined oral contraceptives and the use of anti- depressants, hypertensive drugs and mood stabilizers have shown a decrease in sexual desire. Depression also has a profound effect on sexual intimacy. 75% of those with depression cause sexual dysfunction.
Inhibited Sexual Arousal is understood as the failure to achieve erection despite strong sexual desire. Erectile dysfunction is a common sign and manifests in the male as failure to achieve and maintain an erection long enough to facilitate penetration . Erectile dysfunction is often associated with Vascular disease and Diabetes Mellitus. Performance anxiety may result in inhibited sexual arousal. Premature Ejaculation features within this and is responsible for great spousal stress since the basic need of sexual intimacy is not met. Inhibited orgasm hinders sexual arousal and is often brought about by fear, embarrassment, untreated anger, stress, traumatic sexual experiences of the past as in child sexual abuse, social conditioning (Sex is for procreation only) and deeply entrenched taboos (sex is dirty). Painful sexual intercourse is seen in women in the form of Vaginimus and dysparunia both of which should be understood and treated.
SYMPTOMS
In ability to feel aroused and lack of interest. Relational / psychological problems / hormonal problems.
MEN WOMEN
1 . Delay / absence of ejaculation despite 1. Burning or pain in vulva / vagina
despite stimulation
2. Inability to have an erection 2. Inability to reach orgasm.
3. In ability to control timing of ejaculation 3. Inability to relax vaginal muscles
4 Inability to sustain erection adequately for for intercourse
intercourse. 4. Inadequate vaginal lubrication.
TREATMENT :
Accurate Understanding of Sexuality as a quality of personality. A Holistic approach to Intimacy as a process
Call you doctor if symptoms persist
Medication to treat root cause
Hormonal replacement in therapy (deficiency )
Behavioral therapy
Couple therapy- inter-persona issues / conflicts
Psycho-therapy to address anxiety fear and inhibitions.a- personal
Intra-personal factors.........Psycho- medical challenges.....infertility and diseases.
Physical deficiency in form of disease , accidents , metabolic disorders , hormonal deficiencies ,birth defects (Klinefelter syndrome , Cryptoorchidism ) absence of organs , pelvic inflammatory disease ectopic pregnancy all contribute to infertility and are a major source of stress in the life of the spouses.
Mental health disorders such as depression, Anxiety disorders, Adjustment disorders , Post-traumatic stress disorders Obsessive compulsive disorders , Paranoia , Bipolar personality disorders incapacitate the individuals and prevent them from entering fully and responding to the demands of an adult relationship .
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Interpersonal Challenges
The family system needs a marriage. A marriage can work if partners work together, fulfill each other's "needs and create a climate in which both can grow. Marriage therapist believe that spouses can eliminate stress if they confront and communicate their need to the other.
Common areas of conflict in spousal relationship:
Differences : Marriage brings together two people with varying backgrounds , personalities, desires, views and priorities in the most intimate relationship possible for the rest of their life. when they live together these differences do not go away...in fact they come alive. How the couple understands or deals with these differences either builds or destroys the relationship.
Communication : The patterns of communication learnt in the family of origin effects the quality of spousal communication. It is important that both spouses learn to use patterns that aid communication. and abandon those that are hazardous or destructive.
Time together : Time management may be defined as the art of planning your time to fulfill your goals. Regardless of what your priorities are you need time together when you can physically and emotionally be available to each other. This will build both verbal as well as non-verbal communication . Time together facilities communication and commitment to the relationship. Spouses who fit in daily or weekly rituals find it easier to live out their marriage in life - giving way as well as contribute the well being of their family.
Finance : Money is a major contributory factor to couple discord . A dispute over money is symptomatic of deeper emotional problems or it could be seen as a means of control . The most important value is that spouses talk about themselves in relationship to money. Their relationship is important If possessions gain far more importance they will probably lose sight of love and intimacy along the way. Big financial secrets ruin the marriage for it violates trust..
Expectations : Marriage is an opportunity to share life with another. This is truly one of life's greatest gift. What really damages that gift are our high expectations. The higher your expectation the more difficult your interaction with each other will be.
Resolving Conflicts : To presume that partners will go through life without disagreement or arguments is idealistic, even naive. Be careful not to make the disagreement into a contest where one wins and the other loses. Let the relationship be the winner.
Common areas of conflict in spousal relationship:
Differences : Marriage brings together two people with varying backgrounds , personalities, desires, views and priorities in the most intimate relationship possible for the rest of their life. when they live together these differences do not go away...in fact they come alive. How the couple understands or deals with these differences either builds or destroys the relationship.
Communication : The patterns of communication learnt in the family of origin effects the quality of spousal communication. It is important that both spouses learn to use patterns that aid communication. and abandon those that are hazardous or destructive.
Time together : Time management may be defined as the art of planning your time to fulfill your goals. Regardless of what your priorities are you need time together when you can physically and emotionally be available to each other. This will build both verbal as well as non-verbal communication . Time together facilities communication and commitment to the relationship. Spouses who fit in daily or weekly rituals find it easier to live out their marriage in life - giving way as well as contribute the well being of their family.
Finance : Money is a major contributory factor to couple discord . A dispute over money is symptomatic of deeper emotional problems or it could be seen as a means of control . The most important value is that spouses talk about themselves in relationship to money. Their relationship is important If possessions gain far more importance they will probably lose sight of love and intimacy along the way. Big financial secrets ruin the marriage for it violates trust..
Expectations : Marriage is an opportunity to share life with another. This is truly one of life's greatest gift. What really damages that gift are our high expectations. The higher your expectation the more difficult your interaction with each other will be.
Resolving Conflicts : To presume that partners will go through life without disagreement or arguments is idealistic, even naive. Be careful not to make the disagreement into a contest where one wins and the other loses. Let the relationship be the winner.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
EXTERNAL FACTORS:
The economy of Migration:
In the light of the economic situation spouse/ parents leave families behind to look for jobs that offer greater compensation but at the price of stability of their spousal bond, the proper maturation of their children who are deprived of the guidance and love of their parents at the most impressionable years of their life.
Mass Media:
Most programs in the mass media are engineered to change our attitude towards relationships and sexuality. They are designed to break down sexual inhibitions, invalidate traditional values, destroys parental and family trust and have for reaching consequences changing the mind, morals and motivation of an entire generation.
Technology :
We live in an age where speed is the essence of life. We have no time to listen, to dialogue, to reflect. We have lost the ability to be still.Speed has and is destroying relationships, marriages and families because we want immediate results/ happiness/ solutions/ peace/understanding/ compatibility. Technology has recreated the way we live and subsequently the need to always use things and people for our own convenience.
Challenges at the work place:
The family today is under pressure with working and children away from the university. The Family has little time for togetherness and bonding rituals. But perhaps the greater challenge is at the workplace, with changing work culture that demands more time and dedication. We are moving into a generation where our colleagues and work performance, social status and career opportunities are prioritized over spouse and family. This threatens the spousal bond. If spouses do not set boundaries for themselves it is not difficult to have significant others at the workplaces, who meet your emotional needs. Infidelity is the end result held with the value of relativism.Often the role of being a good provider takes precedence over being a faithful spouse or loving parent.
Influence of extended Family:
Marriage is a significant decision in the life of adult which triggers a re-orientation in the list of one's priorities. It is a process of adjustment as well" Adjustment implies that all things/ persons will fade in importance when compared with the welfare or well being of one's spouse/ marriage commitment. The spouse be the first priority. Only then can one enter fully, freely faithfully and fruitfully in to relationship.
Dealings with Psycho- medical challenges calls for:
Awareness: To foster awareness of the internal/ external/family of origin stressors that exist.
Acceptance: Dysfunction can be worked on with great success. Spouses accept their own area of dysfunction
Action : Commit to make the spousal band a priority.
: Identify and work through Stressors (internal and external)
: Build the spousal relationship through communication and couple prayer.
Sustain the spousal bond through Rituals and connect.
Family prayer/ Family Catechesis
In the light of the economic situation spouse/ parents leave families behind to look for jobs that offer greater compensation but at the price of stability of their spousal bond, the proper maturation of their children who are deprived of the guidance and love of their parents at the most impressionable years of their life.
Mass Media:
Most programs in the mass media are engineered to change our attitude towards relationships and sexuality. They are designed to break down sexual inhibitions, invalidate traditional values, destroys parental and family trust and have for reaching consequences changing the mind, morals and motivation of an entire generation.
Technology :
We live in an age where speed is the essence of life. We have no time to listen, to dialogue, to reflect. We have lost the ability to be still.Speed has and is destroying relationships, marriages and families because we want immediate results/ happiness/ solutions/ peace/understanding/ compatibility. Technology has recreated the way we live and subsequently the need to always use things and people for our own convenience.
Challenges at the work place:
The family today is under pressure with working and children away from the university. The Family has little time for togetherness and bonding rituals. But perhaps the greater challenge is at the workplace, with changing work culture that demands more time and dedication. We are moving into a generation where our colleagues and work performance, social status and career opportunities are prioritized over spouse and family. This threatens the spousal bond. If spouses do not set boundaries for themselves it is not difficult to have significant others at the workplaces, who meet your emotional needs. Infidelity is the end result held with the value of relativism.Often the role of being a good provider takes precedence over being a faithful spouse or loving parent.
Influence of extended Family:
Marriage is a significant decision in the life of adult which triggers a re-orientation in the list of one's priorities. It is a process of adjustment as well" Adjustment implies that all things/ persons will fade in importance when compared with the welfare or well being of one's spouse/ marriage commitment. The spouse be the first priority. Only then can one enter fully, freely faithfully and fruitfully in to relationship.
Dealings with Psycho- medical challenges calls for:
Awareness: To foster awareness of the internal/ external/family of origin stressors that exist.
Acceptance: Dysfunction can be worked on with great success. Spouses accept their own area of dysfunction
Action : Commit to make the spousal band a priority.
: Identify and work through Stressors (internal and external)
: Build the spousal relationship through communication and couple prayer.
Sustain the spousal bond through Rituals and connect.
Family prayer/ Family Catechesis
Friday, May 11, 2012
Dealings with Psycho-Medical Challenges calls for:
AWARENESS : To foster awareness of the internal / external / family of origin stressors that exist.
ACCEPTANCE : Dysfunction can be worked on with great success. Spouses accept their own area of dysfunction
Action : Commit to make the spousal bond a priority.
: Identify and work through Stressors ( internal and external )
: Build the spousal relationship through communication and couple prayer.
Sustain the spousal bond through Rituals that connect.
Family Prayer / Family Catechesis
ACCEPTANCE : Dysfunction can be worked on with great success. Spouses accept their own area of dysfunction
Action : Commit to make the spousal bond a priority.
: Identify and work through Stressors ( internal and external )
: Build the spousal relationship through communication and couple prayer.
Sustain the spousal bond through Rituals that connect.
Family Prayer / Family Catechesis
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Culture of Death
In March 1995, Pope John Paul II spoke of a profound " crisis of culture" which was against the world....marriage and family. A mentally against life enhancing culture, which he called as " Culture of Death ...."
The phrase "culture of life" is described by Catholic moral theologians as a philosophy that human life, at all stages from conception through to natural death, is sacred. As such , a "culture of life>> is claimed to be opposed to practices seen by its proponents as destructive of human life., often including embryonic stem cell research, abortion, euthanasia, contraception, sex outside marriage, capital punishment, greed, degradation, sadistic humiliation , narcissism,selfishness, poverty and war. The "culture of death" degrades the human person and encourages a mentality that devalues the institution of marriage and family. When it comes to human relationships, the human person is degraded into an object of pleasure, and the sanctity of marriage is not valued thus giving approval to pre-marital sex and extra-marital affairs.
Changes in Language Instituted by the Culture of Death
* Pre-Marital Sex is now called co- habitation
* Contraception methods - reproductive health products
* Abortion - woman's health issue
* Euthanasia - death with dignity
* Pornography - sexually explicit material
* Child molestation - Inter - generational love
* Promiscuity - serial monogamy
* Adultery - flexible monogamy
* Partner in adultery - significant other
* Bestiality - interspecies love
We are called to give witness to love and life in these challenging times when the " culture of death " mentality is challenging the very foundation of the Christian understanding of the human person, marriage and family
The Church is a mother and loves her children and wants the best for you, as a mother she has duty to teach the Truth to her children. When we talk about Catholic Morality we need to keep these thoughts in mind that the Church teaches as a mother.
The phrase "culture of life" is described by Catholic moral theologians as a philosophy that human life, at all stages from conception through to natural death, is sacred. As such , a "culture of life>> is claimed to be opposed to practices seen by its proponents as destructive of human life., often including embryonic stem cell research, abortion, euthanasia, contraception, sex outside marriage, capital punishment, greed, degradation, sadistic humiliation , narcissism,selfishness, poverty and war. The "culture of death" degrades the human person and encourages a mentality that devalues the institution of marriage and family. When it comes to human relationships, the human person is degraded into an object of pleasure, and the sanctity of marriage is not valued thus giving approval to pre-marital sex and extra-marital affairs.
Changes in Language Instituted by the Culture of Death
* Pre-Marital Sex is now called co- habitation
* Contraception methods - reproductive health products
* Abortion - woman's health issue
* Euthanasia - death with dignity
* Pornography - sexually explicit material
* Child molestation - Inter - generational love
* Promiscuity - serial monogamy
* Adultery - flexible monogamy
* Partner in adultery - significant other
* Bestiality - interspecies love
We are called to give witness to love and life in these challenging times when the " culture of death " mentality is challenging the very foundation of the Christian understanding of the human person, marriage and family
The Church is a mother and loves her children and wants the best for you, as a mother she has duty to teach the Truth to her children. When we talk about Catholic Morality we need to keep these thoughts in mind that the Church teaches as a mother.
Catholic Morality is about Life
Our Lord Jesus said, " I come that may they have life, and have it abundantly.>>(John 10:10).
Faith and baptism give us new life in Christ. That life involves far more than simply following a set of rules.
It is about living as free human beings not tied down by any bondages and making LOVE our fundamental option.
Morality is a call to recognize our dignity as men who have received a free gift of new life in Christ. We must live accordingly. Our Lord Jesus himself clearly taught us the first principles of Catholic morality: " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.>> ( Mt 22: 37-40 )
Love , or charity, is the great commandment of the Lord.
Love of God and love of neighbor are the source & summary of Cattholic morality. " All the law and the prophets " flow from this starting point.
This means that what love requires is the essence of all moral rules, all of the Ten Commandments, and all aspects of morality spoken of by the Christ and Church Tradition down the ages. The only things needed are those things which love makes necessary.
Faith and baptism give us new life in Christ. That life involves far more than simply following a set of rules.
It is about living as free human beings not tied down by any bondages and making LOVE our fundamental option.
Morality is a call to recognize our dignity as men who have received a free gift of new life in Christ. We must live accordingly. Our Lord Jesus himself clearly taught us the first principles of Catholic morality: " You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it, You shall love your neighbor as you love yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.>> ( Mt 22: 37-40 )
Love , or charity, is the great commandment of the Lord.
Love of God and love of neighbor are the source & summary of Cattholic morality. " All the law and the prophets " flow from this starting point.
This means that what love requires is the essence of all moral rules, all of the Ten Commandments, and all aspects of morality spoken of by the Christ and Church Tradition down the ages. The only things needed are those things which love makes necessary.
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
Our Fundamental Vocation is to Love
Catholic morality should be understood in the context of our vocation to love.God created man in His own image and likeness: calling him to existence in love, through love and for love. Therefore. LOVE is our fundamental vocation. Two specific ways of realizing this vocation to love. single life ( virginity/ celibacy ) or Marriage. Marriage is the vocation of the Majority of the people.
Some terms:
There are certain terms we need to be familiar with when we talk about Christian Morality in Relationship.
CHASTITY : Living in a world with a growing hedonistic our mentality, we draw attention to the value of
Chastity, Chastity / celibacy is not a value to be witnessed only by priest and nuns but all Christians.
Catholicism defines chastity as the virtue that moderates the sexual appetite ( Summa Theologia 1-11 q. 60 a. 5) . Unmarried Catholics express chastity through sexual abstinence.
Sexual intercourse within marriage is considered chaste when it retains the twofold significance of unity and procreation. [Humanae Vitae [HV] . 12)
CHASTITY as a moral virtue regulates the use of one's sexuality in such a way that the"I" can encounter the particular "thou" validly and lovingly, abstaining from sexual dealings will harm the encounter.
SEXUALITY: Sexuality is not something related only to the body, but something that affects the whole person
in the depth of his/her "I" is discovered. We have genetic and generic component of our sexuality, and Generic- affective and personal dimension.
Some terms:
There are certain terms we need to be familiar with when we talk about Christian Morality in Relationship.
CHASTITY : Living in a world with a growing hedonistic our mentality, we draw attention to the value of
Chastity, Chastity / celibacy is not a value to be witnessed only by priest and nuns but all Christians.
Catholicism defines chastity as the virtue that moderates the sexual appetite ( Summa Theologia 1-11 q. 60 a. 5) . Unmarried Catholics express chastity through sexual abstinence.
Sexual intercourse within marriage is considered chaste when it retains the twofold significance of unity and procreation. [Humanae Vitae [HV] . 12)
CHASTITY as a moral virtue regulates the use of one's sexuality in such a way that the"I" can encounter the particular "thou" validly and lovingly, abstaining from sexual dealings will harm the encounter.
SEXUALITY: Sexuality is not something related only to the body, but something that affects the whole person
in the depth of his/her "I" is discovered. We have genetic and generic component of our sexuality, and Generic- affective and personal dimension.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Spouses should always recall " How did Jesus-God Loves us?"
* Freely: " No one takes my life from me, I lay it down on my own."
* Fully [Unconditionally]: " I give myself to you without reservation: body, soul and divinity"
* Faithfully: " I will be with you always, until the end of time."
* Fruitfully: " I have laid down my life so that my bride may have life and have it to the full."
* Freely: " No one takes my life from me, I lay it down on my own."
* Fully [Unconditionally]: " I give myself to you without reservation: body, soul and divinity"
* Faithfully: " I will be with you always, until the end of time."
* Fruitfully: " I have laid down my life so that my bride may have life and have it to the full."
Christian View of the Human Body
* Genesis 1: 27, Human beings are created in the image of God
* Dignity of the human person. God created man in his own image and likeness (Genesis 1:27 ).
Hence, body is the medium or sign that reveal God's love , power, goodness etc. therefore,
body is very sacred.
* In this context, the vocation and dignity of the human person should be clearly understood.
* Mature sexual behavior comes from a proper understanding of the sacredness of our sexuality.
* Problem today- Morals have been corrupted, modern communication media only adds to this
corruption - influence of films, T.V. serials, print media and opinion polls.
* We need to beware of the influence of " Hedonistic Culture ".
* The human person is sacred and not for use and abuse.
* Sincere intention alone is not enough; life must be based on objective standards.
* All our relationships should be guided by the universal norm of love.
* The general and basic principles in this domain are: sex has a finality, which determines its morality.
Mutual self-giving and procreation make up the finality.
This finality is preserve only in marriage. Therefore, genital sex is justified only in marriage and
consequently the use of sex outside marriage is immoral.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Respecting Relationship Boundaries:
Every human relationship is moderated by " relationship boundaries ". We need to respect persons &
their boundaries. The Church teaches that sexual union is permitted only in a spouses relationship, all sexual encounters outside marriage is immoral.
1. PRE-MARITAL-SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP
Entered by those unmarried or in preparation for marriage.
Why is Pre-Marital Sex Wrong?
1. They behave as spouses before they become. Sexual intercourse is a "typical expression",and unique to
marital union. Hence to perform it they should be married couples.
2. They distort and reduce the marriage commitment.
* The decisive act of self - giving and acceptance is valid if expressed in a particular moment
of time. ( celebration of sacrament)
This commitment is not a private affair but has to be made publicly.
3. They point to a false language.
* Sexual act is a language which is deep and expressed between two married people.
* Sexual interaction uses a deep and exclusive language. In PMS they use a language and
do not mean it. Therefore, it is cheating. They give their bodies but not themselves.
Therefore no self-giving. It is dissection of the person, they give their bodies but not their inner selves.
4. They act intentionally against the procreative end of marriage - use of contraception.
5. One cannot use persons, but only things. The sexual gesture is done without any interior meaning.
6. Such actions leave in them a deep sense of psychological incompleteness.
* whole person not involved.
* develop a ' playboy and playgirl psychology'.
For those preparing for marriage the Church would say: Genuine Love is tested by its openness to
make sacrifices.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
II. Extra - Marital Affairs
Adultery can be Single or Double depending on whether one or both are married.
Why is Extra- Marital Affair (EMA) wrong?
1. The word given on the wedding day is a serious word. They contradict the significance of the sexual
gesture performed with the spouse.
Sexual gesture points to a reciprocal gift and interior union. Relationship with a third party contradicts it.
2. Sexual acts in Marriage expresses a fundamental option for the spouse.
Extra Marital Act directly compromises two persons in reciprocal choice and self- donation
3. It destroys the intimacy of conjugal dialogue and uniqueness of the sexual language.
* Human person uses several languages. The sexual gesture is the secret language reserved only for
spouses. EMA becomes a betrayal of the secret.
4. Contradicts the basic respect due for a Human person.
* Person unique and non- exchangable
* We exchange things but not persons
* EMA- people regard others not as person but as a partner.
How healthy would a marriage be if the couple were unfaithful to their wedding vows?
Why is Extra- Marital Affair (EMA) wrong?
1. The word given on the wedding day is a serious word. They contradict the significance of the sexual
gesture performed with the spouse.
Sexual gesture points to a reciprocal gift and interior union. Relationship with a third party contradicts it.
2. Sexual acts in Marriage expresses a fundamental option for the spouse.
Extra Marital Act directly compromises two persons in reciprocal choice and self- donation
3. It destroys the intimacy of conjugal dialogue and uniqueness of the sexual language.
* Human person uses several languages. The sexual gesture is the secret language reserved only for
spouses. EMA becomes a betrayal of the secret.
4. Contradicts the basic respect due for a Human person.
* Person unique and non- exchangable
* We exchange things but not persons
* EMA- people regard others not as person but as a partner.
How healthy would a marriage be if the couple were unfaithful to their wedding vows?
In the Domain of Sexuality what is Jesus calling to us
* Neither sexual slavery nor sexual repression
* But Sexual Redemption
* Lust binds us to the true beauty of the human body & of the true marital love.
The Spouses are Ministers
* Ministers of Love and Life
* Marital COVENANT is a permanent band
* The Marital covenant mirrors the DIVINE Covenant The Christ- Church Union
* Married couple living sign in the world
* Marriage - a living sign that communicate Permanence, togetherness and happiness
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
III. Fundamental task of the Family is to serve LIFE
* Creator's purpose of Sex ".... person to person giving...."
* We have the Unitive and Procreative end of marriage
Fundamental Principles with regards to Sexual Union In Marriage
1. " Every marital act must be open to the transmission of life."
2. One cannot separate from the unitive end of the sexual act, the procreative end. (Both Inseparable)
3. Safeguarding both these essential aspects ( unitive and procreative), the conjugal act conserves
integrally the sense of mutual & true love, and its ordination to the highest vocation man and woman
to parenthood.
2. One cannot separate from the unitive end of the sexual act, the procreative end. (Both Inseparable)
3. Safeguarding both these essential aspects ( unitive and procreative), the conjugal act conserves
integrally the sense of mutual & true love, and its ordination to the highest vocation man and woman
to parenthood.
Married Couples are co-creators- entrusted the care of children
* Choice of Life means choice for Procreation & Responsible Parenthood
* In Contraception procreative- end frustrated.
* Contraception defeats the purpose of marriage - which is for total self- giving.
* Contraception makes the sacred marital act unworthy because it depreciate the PERSON,
degrades him/her to an object of pleasure.
* The Church invites couples to understand their fertility patterns & use Creative Natural Fertility
(CNFM) or Natural Family Planning (NFP) which should be a way of life.
Last Word....
Jesus Christ said: " I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.>> [ John 10:10]. Baptism gives us new life in Christ. That life involves far more than simply following a set of rules. It is about understanding our calling and living us free human beings not tied down by any bondages, and making LOVE our fundamental option. Married couples have to fight this "culture of death" by giving witness to a life-giving Marriage and help build stable, happy & Christ- Centered families.
Jesus Christ said: " I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.>> [ John 10:10]. Baptism gives us new life in Christ. That life involves far more than simply following a set of rules. It is about understanding our calling and living us free human beings not tied down by any bondages, and making LOVE our fundamental option. Married couples have to fight this "culture of death" by giving witness to a life-giving Marriage and help build stable, happy & Christ- Centered families.
Catholic Morality In Human Relationship
Introduction
When married love is lived in its most authentic nature, it is expressed in all life situation, becoming a witness, proclaiming and realizing the Kingdom of God: " It is in married and family love... that Christian Family's participation in the prophetic, priestly and kingly mission of Christ and his Church finds expression and realization. Therefore, love and life constitute the nucleus of the saving mission of the Christian family in the Church and for the Church" (Familiaries Consortio [FC],50).The conjugal love of the spouses is fully expressed in fatherhood and motherhood, the fruit of their love, which makes them co-responsible for the gift of life, by protecting, developing, educating and evangelizing: " Christian couples are, for each other, for their children and for their relatives, co- operators of grace and witnesses of the faith. They are the first to pass on the faith to their children and to educate them in it. By word and example they form them to a Christian and apostolic life"( cfr FC, 36-40, 53)
Catholic morality is about life
Our Lord Jesus said, " I come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.>>( John 10:10).
Faith and baptism give us new life in Christ. That life involves far more than simply following a set of rules.It is about living as free human beings not tied down by any bondages and making LOVE our fundamental option.
Morality is a call to recognize our dignity as men and women who have received a free gift of new lfe in Christ. We must live accordingly. Our Lord Jesus himself clearly taught us the first principles of Catholic morality: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You should love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.>>(Mt 22: 37-40)
Love, or Charity, is the great commandments of the Lord.
Love of God and love of neighbor are the source & summary of Catholic morality. " all the law and the prophets " flow from this starting point.
This means that what love requires is the essence of all moral rites, all the Ten Commandments, and all aspects of morality spoken of by the Christ and Church Tradition down the ages. The only things needed are those things which love makes necessary.
Culture of Death
In March 1995, Pope John Paul spoke a profound " crisis of culture which was against the world...marriage & family. A mentality against life enhancing culture,which he called as "Culture of Death..." The phrase "culture of life" is described by Catholic moral theologians as a philosophy that human life, at all stages from conception through to natural death, is sacred. As such, a "culture of life>>is claimed to be opposed to practices seen by its proponents as destructive of human life, often including embryonic stem cell research, abortion, euthanasia, contraception, sex outside marriage,capital punishment,greed, degradation,sadistic humiliation,narcissism, selfishness,poverty and war. The "culture of death" degrades the human person and encourages a mentality that devalues the institution of marriage and family. When it comes to human relationships, the human person is degraded into an object of pleasure, and the sanctity of marriage is not valued thus giving approval to pre-marital sex and extra-marital affairs.
Changes in Language instituted by the Culture of Death
* Pre-Marital Sex is now called co-habitation
* Contraception methods - reproductive health products
* Abortion - woman's health issue
* Euthanasia- death with dignity
* Pornography- sexually explicit material
* Child molestation- inter-generational love
* Promoscuity- serial monogamy
* Adultery-flexible monogamy
* Partner in adultery- significant other
* Bestiality- interspecies love
We are called to give witness to love and life in these challenging times when the "culture of death" mentality is challenging the very foundation of the Christian understanding of the human person, marriage and family.
The Church is a mother and loves her children and wants the best for you, as a mother she has a duty to teach the Truth to her children. When we talk about Catholic Morality we need to keep these thoughts in mind that the Church teaches as a mother.
Our fundamental vocation is to love:
Catholic Morality should be understood in the context of our vocation to love. God created man in His own image and likeness: calling him to existence in love, through love and for love. Therefore LOVE is our fundamental vocation. Two specific ways of realizing this vocation to love: Single life (virginity/celibacy) or Marriage. Marriage is the vocation of the Majority of the people.
Some terms:
There are certain terms we need to be familiar with when we talk about Christian Morality in Relationships
Chastity : Living in a world with a growing hedonistic mentality, we draw our attention to the value of Chastity. Chastity/celibacy is not a value to be witnessed only by priests and nuns but all Christians. Catholicism defines chastity as the virtue that moderates the sexual appetite.Unmarried Catholics express chastity through sexual abstinence. Sexual intercourse within marriage is considered chaste when it retains the twofold significance of unity and procreation.
Chastity as a moral virtue regulates the use of one's sexuality in such a way that "I" can encounter the particular "thou" validly and lovingly, abstaining from sexual dealings which will harm the encounter.
Sexuality: Sexuality is not something related only to the body, but something that affects the whole person in the depth of his/her being, where his/her "I" is discovered. We have the genetic and the genetic component of our sexuality, and Generic-affective and personal dimension.
Christian view of the human body
* Gen 1:27 : Human beings are created in the image of God
* Dignity of human person. God created man in his own image and likeness [ Gen 1: 27].
Hence, body is the medium or sign that reveal God's love, power, goodness etc. therefore, body is very
sacred.
* In this context, the vocation and dignity of the human person should be clearly understood.
* Mature sexual behavior comes from a proper understanding of the sacredness of our sexuality.
* Problem today- Morals have been corrupted, modern communication media only adds to this
corruption-influence of films, T.V. serials, print media and opinion polls.
* We need to beware of the influence of " Hedonistic Culture".
* The human person is sacred and not to use and abuse.
* Sincere intention alone is not enough; life must be based on objective standards.
* All our relationships should be guided by the universal norms of love.
* The general and basic principles in this domain are: sex has a finality, which determines its morality.
Mutual self-giving and procreation make up the finality.
This finality is preserved only in marriage. Therefore, genital sex is justified only in marriage and consequently the use of sex outside marriage is immoral.
Respecting Relationship Boundaries:
Every human relationship is moderated by " relationship boundaries" . We need to respect person & their boundaries. The church teaches that sexual union is permitted only in a spousal relationship, all sexual encounters outside marriage are immoral. Under the given topic we are going to discuss briefly just three topics, namely: Premarital Sex, Extra- Marital Affairs and Contraception.
1. Pre-Marital Sexual Relationship
Entered by those unmarried or in preparation for marriage.
Why is Pre-Marital Sex is wrong?
1. They behave as spouses before they become. Sexual intercourse is a "typical expression", and unique
to marital union. Hence to perform it they should be married couples.
2. They distort and reduce the marriage commitment.
* The decisive act of self-giving and acceptance is valid if expressed in a particular moment of time.
(celebration of sacrament)
3. They point to a false language.
* Sexual act is a language which is deep and expressed between two married people.
* Sexual interaction uses a deep and exclusive and exclusive language. In PMS they and do not mean it.
Therefore. it is cheating. They give their bodies but not themselves. Therefore no self-giving.
It is dissection of the person, they give their body but not their inner selves.
4. They act intentionally against the proactive end of marriage- use of contraception.
5. One cannot use persons, but only things. The sexual gesture is done without any interior meaning.
6. Such action leave in them a deep sense of psychological incompleteness.
* Whole person not involved.
* develop a 'playboy and playgirl psychology'.
When married love is lived in its most authentic nature, it is expressed in all life situation, becoming a witness, proclaiming and realizing the Kingdom of God: " It is in married and family love... that Christian Family's participation in the prophetic, priestly and kingly mission of Christ and his Church finds expression and realization. Therefore, love and life constitute the nucleus of the saving mission of the Christian family in the Church and for the Church" (Familiaries Consortio [FC],50).The conjugal love of the spouses is fully expressed in fatherhood and motherhood, the fruit of their love, which makes them co-responsible for the gift of life, by protecting, developing, educating and evangelizing: " Christian couples are, for each other, for their children and for their relatives, co- operators of grace and witnesses of the faith. They are the first to pass on the faith to their children and to educate them in it. By word and example they form them to a Christian and apostolic life"( cfr FC, 36-40, 53)
Catholic morality is about life
Our Lord Jesus said, " I come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.>>( John 10:10).
Faith and baptism give us new life in Christ. That life involves far more than simply following a set of rules.It is about living as free human beings not tied down by any bondages and making LOVE our fundamental option.
Morality is a call to recognize our dignity as men and women who have received a free gift of new lfe in Christ. We must live accordingly. Our Lord Jesus himself clearly taught us the first principles of Catholic morality: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it. You should love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the law and the prophets.>>(Mt 22: 37-40)
Love, or Charity, is the great commandments of the Lord.
Love of God and love of neighbor are the source & summary of Catholic morality. " all the law and the prophets " flow from this starting point.
This means that what love requires is the essence of all moral rites, all the Ten Commandments, and all aspects of morality spoken of by the Christ and Church Tradition down the ages. The only things needed are those things which love makes necessary.
Culture of Death
In March 1995, Pope John Paul spoke a profound " crisis of culture which was against the world...marriage & family. A mentality against life enhancing culture,which he called as "Culture of Death..." The phrase "culture of life" is described by Catholic moral theologians as a philosophy that human life, at all stages from conception through to natural death, is sacred. As such, a "culture of life>>is claimed to be opposed to practices seen by its proponents as destructive of human life, often including embryonic stem cell research, abortion, euthanasia, contraception, sex outside marriage,capital punishment,greed, degradation,sadistic humiliation,narcissism, selfishness,poverty and war. The "culture of death" degrades the human person and encourages a mentality that devalues the institution of marriage and family. When it comes to human relationships, the human person is degraded into an object of pleasure, and the sanctity of marriage is not valued thus giving approval to pre-marital sex and extra-marital affairs.
Changes in Language instituted by the Culture of Death
* Pre-Marital Sex is now called co-habitation
* Contraception methods - reproductive health products
* Abortion - woman's health issue
* Euthanasia- death with dignity
* Pornography- sexually explicit material
* Child molestation- inter-generational love
* Promoscuity- serial monogamy
* Adultery-flexible monogamy
* Partner in adultery- significant other
* Bestiality- interspecies love
We are called to give witness to love and life in these challenging times when the "culture of death" mentality is challenging the very foundation of the Christian understanding of the human person, marriage and family.
The Church is a mother and loves her children and wants the best for you, as a mother she has a duty to teach the Truth to her children. When we talk about Catholic Morality we need to keep these thoughts in mind that the Church teaches as a mother.
Our fundamental vocation is to love:
Catholic Morality should be understood in the context of our vocation to love. God created man in His own image and likeness: calling him to existence in love, through love and for love. Therefore LOVE is our fundamental vocation. Two specific ways of realizing this vocation to love: Single life (virginity/celibacy) or Marriage. Marriage is the vocation of the Majority of the people.
Some terms:
There are certain terms we need to be familiar with when we talk about Christian Morality in Relationships
Chastity : Living in a world with a growing hedonistic mentality, we draw our attention to the value of Chastity. Chastity/celibacy is not a value to be witnessed only by priests and nuns but all Christians. Catholicism defines chastity as the virtue that moderates the sexual appetite.Unmarried Catholics express chastity through sexual abstinence. Sexual intercourse within marriage is considered chaste when it retains the twofold significance of unity and procreation.
Chastity as a moral virtue regulates the use of one's sexuality in such a way that "I" can encounter the particular "thou" validly and lovingly, abstaining from sexual dealings which will harm the encounter.
Sexuality: Sexuality is not something related only to the body, but something that affects the whole person in the depth of his/her being, where his/her "I" is discovered. We have the genetic and the genetic component of our sexuality, and Generic-affective and personal dimension.
Christian view of the human body
* Gen 1:27 : Human beings are created in the image of God
* Dignity of human person. God created man in his own image and likeness [ Gen 1: 27].
Hence, body is the medium or sign that reveal God's love, power, goodness etc. therefore, body is very
sacred.
* In this context, the vocation and dignity of the human person should be clearly understood.
* Mature sexual behavior comes from a proper understanding of the sacredness of our sexuality.
* Problem today- Morals have been corrupted, modern communication media only adds to this
corruption-influence of films, T.V. serials, print media and opinion polls.
* We need to beware of the influence of " Hedonistic Culture".
* The human person is sacred and not to use and abuse.
* Sincere intention alone is not enough; life must be based on objective standards.
* All our relationships should be guided by the universal norms of love.
* The general and basic principles in this domain are: sex has a finality, which determines its morality.
Mutual self-giving and procreation make up the finality.
This finality is preserved only in marriage. Therefore, genital sex is justified only in marriage and consequently the use of sex outside marriage is immoral.
Respecting Relationship Boundaries:
Every human relationship is moderated by " relationship boundaries" . We need to respect person & their boundaries. The church teaches that sexual union is permitted only in a spousal relationship, all sexual encounters outside marriage are immoral. Under the given topic we are going to discuss briefly just three topics, namely: Premarital Sex, Extra- Marital Affairs and Contraception.
1. Pre-Marital Sexual Relationship
Entered by those unmarried or in preparation for marriage.
Why is Pre-Marital Sex is wrong?
1. They behave as spouses before they become. Sexual intercourse is a "typical expression", and unique
to marital union. Hence to perform it they should be married couples.
2. They distort and reduce the marriage commitment.
* The decisive act of self-giving and acceptance is valid if expressed in a particular moment of time.
(celebration of sacrament)
3. They point to a false language.
* Sexual act is a language which is deep and expressed between two married people.
* Sexual interaction uses a deep and exclusive and exclusive language. In PMS they and do not mean it.
Therefore. it is cheating. They give their bodies but not themselves. Therefore no self-giving.
It is dissection of the person, they give their body but not their inner selves.
4. They act intentionally against the proactive end of marriage- use of contraception.
5. One cannot use persons, but only things. The sexual gesture is done without any interior meaning.
6. Such action leave in them a deep sense of psychological incompleteness.
* Whole person not involved.
* develop a 'playboy and playgirl psychology'.
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Three altars
A family can overcome all its problems and be very happy if it is faithful to the three altars.The first altar is the one on which we celebrate the Eucharist. Without the Eucharist we cannot face the difficulties of our job, society, and of our family.In the Eucharist we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and he gives us his body and blood, his life. In the Eucharist Jesus gives himself to all, not only to those who are pure and clean but also to those who struggling against passions and temptations of any kind: money, sex, career, social position, etc. In the family, and in religious communities as well, we need to learn from Jesus to die to ourselves. If we want to resurrect to a life of understanding, peace and love we have to many times renounce ourselves, our personal habits, traditions, visions and opinions. This 'death' is the necessary condition for peace in the family and social life. We should not live this kind of death with a psychological depression and sadness but as a participation for the good of others. In the Eucharist Jesus Christ doesn't give us only the example of total renouncement of himself till his physical death, but he especially enables us to die to ourselves for others, he gives us a sure hope of resurrection in our family life. In the Eucharist we receive the Word of God, the Father, the power of the Holy Spirit, the presence of Jesus Christ: the Trinity is with us and in us! From God, who "causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good>> (Mt.5:45), we learn how to love all,how we should love our wife or our husband, and from him we have a power to do it. If we have problems in our family life, psychologists and doctors can help you but their help will be very limited if you don't look for the essential help: the Eucharist. Without the Eucharist we cannot live our life in peace.
The Eucharist is necessary not only in order to tolerate and to love each other but also to receive power to do the will of God. Marriage has two purposes:1] the sanctification of the spouses, 2] to collaborate with God, the only creator, to procreate children, the mission of parents, to be open to life.
The Eucharist is necessary not only in order to tolerate and to love each other but also to receive power to do the will of God. Marriage has two purposes:1] the sanctification of the spouses, 2] to collaborate with God, the only creator, to procreate children, the mission of parents, to be open to life.
Saturday, February 18, 2012
The second altar is the marital bed
How many strange and distorted ideas we have on this matter! Many times intercourse is seen as something a"permitted" in the marriage and we think that only the priests and nuns who lives in celibacy are more near God. Marital intercourse is considered as something dirty, related only to the pleasure of the flesh and not to God. No, marital intercourse is the extension of the sacraments of marriage, that we celebrate in the church. In marital intercourse we obey God who says: " Be fruitful, multiply feel the earth and conquer it>> ( Gen. 1:28) and we renew the sacrament of marriage, so it is a blessing from God. Sometimes people think that the sacrament of marriage ends in the church, after that there is the normal life of the spouse is something of these and the sacrament of marriage past, finished, just to avoid living in concubinate.No,God will always follow us in our life, especially when we put into practice his will to be one. Just as the priests exercises his priesthood when he celebrates the sacraments, in the same way we exercise our sacraments of marriage when, couples married in the church, meet sexually.Finally, even marital intercourse is a moment of true offering if it is enlightened and empowered by Eucharist.
The third altar is the table at which we eat
However to be at the table together is an essential moment for communication.To pray together, to eat together, means to live together. Don't neglect Sunday as the day of the family. We have to choose between remaining faithful to God and looking for consolation in the world, knowing that the peace of the world is not the peace of Jesus.
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Other recommendation
The Christian marriage is an engagement between husband and wife to help each other towards the way to Jesus Christ, and to encourage each other to have Jesus as the person always present in their family. How can a non-Christian part help the Christian part in this way towards Jesus? Therefore a marriage with a non-Catholic is not an ideal one : too many differences of traditions, mentally, way of prayer, concept of the marital life, interpretation of the Bible, theology of the Sacraments, etc.
How can we help our community: children, young people, single married, married? The Church to all. The Eucharist that we celebrate together is really for all. But in our time we need a stronger formation, in order to resist the attractions of the world (internet, TV, sex, alcohol). Very recently, on 17 January 2011, Pope Benedict XVI addressed some thousands of priests, seminarians, catechists, and families (with many children) of the Neo-Catechumenal way and said: " For more than 40 years the Neocatechumenal Way has been contributing to revive and consolidate Christian initiation in the dioceses and parishes, fostering a gradual and radical rediscovery of the riches in baptism, helping the divine life, the heavenly life that the Lord with his Incarnation, coming in our midst, being born as one of us. This gift of God for his Church is placed "at the service of the bishops as one of the ways of the diocesan accomplishment of Christian initiation and a permanent education in the faith.
Accomplished profitability in the last few years has been the process of writing of the Statutes of the Neocatechumenal Way that, after a period of validity was approved definitively in June 2008. Another significant step carried out in these days, with the approval of the competent dicasteries of the Holt See, is the Catechetical Directory of the Neocatechumenal Way. With these ecclesiastical seals, the Lord confirms today and entrusts to us again this precious instrument that is the Way, so that we can, in filial obedience to the Holy See and to the pastors of the Church, contribute, with new impetus and ardour, to the radical and joyful rediscovery of the gift of baptism and to offer our original contribution to the cause of the New Evangelization. The Church has recognized in the Neo-catechumenal Way a particular gift aroused by the Holy Spirit: as such, it tends naturally to inset itself in the great harmony of the ecclesial body. In this light, we exhort to seek always a profound communion with the pastors and with all the components of the particular Churches and the very different ecclesial contexts in which we are called to operate. The fraternal communion between the disciples of Jesus is, in fact, the first and greatest testimony to the name of Jesus Christ.
How can we help our community: children, young people, single married, married? The Church to all. The Eucharist that we celebrate together is really for all. But in our time we need a stronger formation, in order to resist the attractions of the world (internet, TV, sex, alcohol). Very recently, on 17 January 2011, Pope Benedict XVI addressed some thousands of priests, seminarians, catechists, and families (with many children) of the Neo-Catechumenal way and said: " For more than 40 years the Neocatechumenal Way has been contributing to revive and consolidate Christian initiation in the dioceses and parishes, fostering a gradual and radical rediscovery of the riches in baptism, helping the divine life, the heavenly life that the Lord with his Incarnation, coming in our midst, being born as one of us. This gift of God for his Church is placed "at the service of the bishops as one of the ways of the diocesan accomplishment of Christian initiation and a permanent education in the faith.
Accomplished profitability in the last few years has been the process of writing of the Statutes of the Neocatechumenal Way that, after a period of validity was approved definitively in June 2008. Another significant step carried out in these days, with the approval of the competent dicasteries of the Holt See, is the Catechetical Directory of the Neocatechumenal Way. With these ecclesiastical seals, the Lord confirms today and entrusts to us again this precious instrument that is the Way, so that we can, in filial obedience to the Holy See and to the pastors of the Church, contribute, with new impetus and ardour, to the radical and joyful rediscovery of the gift of baptism and to offer our original contribution to the cause of the New Evangelization. The Church has recognized in the Neo-catechumenal Way a particular gift aroused by the Holy Spirit: as such, it tends naturally to inset itself in the great harmony of the ecclesial body. In this light, we exhort to seek always a profound communion with the pastors and with all the components of the particular Churches and the very different ecclesial contexts in which we are called to operate. The fraternal communion between the disciples of Jesus is, in fact, the first and greatest testimony to the name of Jesus Christ.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
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Marriage is a natural sacrament of divine love.
Despite the fact that the Bible raises human sexuality and the relationship between man and woman to such a high level, it never deifies se...
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i) In the Patristic Period. The early Christians took great care to see that the Christians entered into marriage by choosing partners who w...
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Types of marriage . The marriage practice of the Israelites was very much influenced by by the neighboring peoples. There are four types o...
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Jesus' attitude towards marriage.This is expressed most clearly in Mark 10: 2-9, in a controversy with the Pharisees. Jesus is confront...
