strike the original match
"The Lord God said: 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a suitable partner for him.' " —Genesis 2:18
God created a suitable partner for Adam, the first man. This partner was so perfect a match for Adam that he could call her "bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Gn 2:23). Eve literally completed Adam's flesh; she was created out of the missing piece of Adam's body, his rib. In becoming one with Eve, Adam's missing piece (Gn 2:21) was restored and they were both made whole.
A young person who has discerned the call to a married vocation should ponder these words: "Are you free of a wife (or husband)? If so, do not go in search of one" (1 Cor 7:27). God has created a suitable partner for you. The key to beginning your married vocation is to allow God to put you and your suitable partner together. God's Word tells you not to search for a spouse. Just continually seek to serve God in your present state in life, and allow him to bring your future spouse into your life (see Mt 6:33). God is extremely talented and creative in matchmaking. His only hindrance is when we get impatient, choose our own spouse, and do not wait for Him to unfold His perfect plan.
For those who are already married, if your marriage is less than perfect, it's tempting to wonder if you jumped the gun and married the wrong person. Reflect on this passage: "Are you bound to a wife (or husband)? If so, do not seek your freedom" (1 Cor 7:27). Jesus can make all things new (Rv 21:5). He performed his first miracle at a wedding, changing the empty into the full and beautiful, far surpassing the quality of what existed before (Jn 2:1ff). Even now, God can make you into suitable partners.
Prayer: "Teach me, Lord, to wait" for Your perfect timing.
Promise: "Happy are you who fear the Lord, who walk in His ways!" —Psalm 128:1
Praise: Joan quietly asked the Lord to give her rose petals as a sign that she should marry Bill. The next day, her sister gave her a bag full of them.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 25, 2014
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.