We should keep marriage in perspective. Marriage didn’t evolve in society nor was it instituted because of secular practices. Marriage is God’s creation. That is the teaching of the Book of Genesis. God wanted marriage to reflect His own love for His people, a love which never fails and which grants the gift of life. Marriage is a challenge to be like God. No wonder that marriage is not easy. God is faithful. He doesn’t love us only when we love Him. He doesn’t abandon His affection for us because He has fallen in love with someone else. God does not find it too troublesome to put up with our faults. God’s love is patient, generous, and thoughtful. Above all, God’s love never fails. God’s love is the challenging ideal for every married couple.
Being parents is part of most marriages. Having children can bring many blessings but it can also be very demanding. Having children is being like God. God’s love is fruitful. Flowing from Him is the gift of life. In children Jesus saw not only the fruit of love between husband and wife; He also saw the outpouring of life from His heavenly Father. Jesus is the model of love for spouses and parents, especially in His sacrifice on the cross. Sacrifice is necessary for marriage. Only love can make sacrifice possible.
Catholic couples ought to receive Holy Communion together with a prayer in their hearts: “Lord Jesus, help us to love each other and our children with the love You show to us, especially through Your suffering and Your death on the cross. May our love never die but grow deeper and stronger as the years go on. May our love be like Yours.” It won’t be easy, but it will be possible, and it will be worthwhile.