the sign of his love
"They are no longer two but one flesh." —Mark 10:8
The Catholic Church has suffered heavy losses through the scandalous sexual sins of a few priests. These priests were ordained in the sacrament of Holy Orders to be a sign of God's love for His people. Instead, the sign the world reads through the sins of these priests is that the Church is no longer trustworthy.
Catholic married couples are also a sacrament, an outward sign of God's love for the world. God so loved the world that He created us male and female (Gn 1:27). He poured out His love in our hearts (Rm 5:5) so that married couples would take the lead in showing broken, bruised humanity how much God loves them. Therefore, no Catholic married couple should ever criticize a priest for being a poor sign of God's love. Instead, they should look in the mirror, for a married couple is to be a great sign of God's love. One marriage rich in God's love can greatly build up the Church. Nearly half of Catholic marriages in the USA end in divorce. No wonder the Church is weakened! People simply read the signs and conclude that God is not with the Church because wives and husbands don't love each other (cf Eph 5:23-25, 29-32).
Couples, your marriage is not just about the two of you. Your marriage "has been decided in heaven" (Tb 7:11). Renew your love for each other "not because of lust, but for a noble purpose" (Tb 8:7) of building up the kingdom of God.
Prayer: Father, may all married couples reading this renew their vows to You and to each other today. Unite them in Your love.
Promise: "He Who consecrates and those who are consecrated have one and the same Father. Therefore, He is not ashamed to call them brothers." —Heb 2:11
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, Who invites His bride, the Church, to the banquet of the Lamb. Alleluia!
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2006
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