5. Marriage in the Gospel.pdf

Marriage in the Gospel

Marriage in the Gospel Not too many words and actions of Jesus mentioned directly on marriage and sexuality but from His ministry we can derive the following: • On the Matter of Love • On the Issue of Marriage – On the Wedding Feast Event – On Questions on Divorce – Celibacy in the Light of Marriage

Marriage in the Gospel • On the Matter of Love – Christ Preached about Love – Same love, between man and woman in marriage • “Love one another as I have loved you” • Laying down one’s life for a friend • Love calls for fidelity, unconditional and forgiveness

Marriage in the Gospel • On the Issue of Marriage – Biblical accounts “Gospel of Love” where Jesus explicitly treated the issue of: • Wedding Feast Event (Marriage) • Question on Divorce • Celibacy in the Light of Marriage

Marriage in the Gospel • On the Wedding Feast Event – The Wedding at Cana: - First manifestation of His act of redemption – He showed value of the marital union by attending to the wedding – CCC affirms: Church attaches great importance to Jesus being present at the wedding • the confirmation of the goodness of marriage and • marriage will be an efficacious sign of Christ’s presence

Marriage in the Gospel • On Questions on Divorce – Jesus shared the joys of marriage • showed the richness of married life, presented clearly what this life means and demands. – Pharisees tested Jesus on divorce • Jesus said no to divorce: “Man who divorces his wife commits adultery” • Affirms the original plan of God in marriage: “exclusive and permanent”

Marriage in the Gospel • Celibacy in the Light of Marriage – State of being single – Totally give up marriage and family • To consecrate one’s self to Jesus and His Salvific mission. • To serve Him better – Identified more with priest, nuns, lay men and women • Keep the vow of chastity

Marriage in the Gospel • Celibacy in the Light of Marriage “Jewish had high regard for marriage for social function, regarded unmarrried man as strange” – Celibacy serves as means for appreciating the symbolic and sacramental value of marriage. – He offered an optional way of life: continence for Kingdom’s sakes

Marriage in the Gospel • Celibacy in the Light of Marriage – Jesus’ teachings on celibacy It is not opposed to marriage. • The point of reference is Love and source is God • Marriage is bound to earthly reality and aims to higher reality: in God’s Kingdom – where ‘Marriage’ will not be necessary

Marriage in the Gospel • Celibacy in the Light of Marriage • Presents a wider, clearer picture of heavenly reality, while still on earth; – where love and commitment have still to grow, mature and attain its fullness, – Same as life of marriage conveys to those choosing celibacy as their way of life.

Marriage in the Gospel • Celibacy in the Light of Marriage • Jesus brought back the institution of marriage to its original perfect state; • He gave a new foundation and bestowed it a religious and salvific meaning in the Kingdom of God. • Marriage becomes closely related to the Old Covenant but also to New Covenant.

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