Beads of Joy 08-12-11
Indissolubly One
©2011 James Dacey, Jr. SFO
Hello Everybody,
This too is also a very difficult reflection, a hard teaching that Jesus even says, “Not everyone can accept this saying.” Marriage and our vows and divorce are different for different people, meaning that everyone has their own issues that they are dealing with. So I do not wish to use examples that are hypothetical, I will use only examples I am well aware of, should the need of an example come up. Also, I used the words “Indissolubly One” for a reason. In my studies I found this word used many times in bible studies when referring to the union between one man and one woman in marriage.
The definition for Indissolubly One is: Permanent, binding; an indissoluble union. An amazing definition indeed, but clearly we know that is what God intended marriage to always be. Today’s gospel is Matthew 19:3-12 (Marriage & Divorce). God himself confirms and describes this indissoluble union, “Therefore, what God has joined together, man must never separate.” I know many of you reading this are divorced; this blog is not pointing fingers at anyone. This is just a scripture reflection, if your situations in your life or your children’s lives have you in harm’s way, you did the right thing. I am only reflecting on scripture, and sharing some bible study details I have learned.
In marriage God has joined together, both male and female, “the two will become one flesh”. Those are God’s words. Any two other things permanently combined with glue, combine because of the dissolving solvent, and then when you attempt to separate them, one or both will and can be damaged or destroyed. In marriage both mind and spirit and flesh become one. We know for a fact, if it is reasonably, safely possible, working on your marriage is what should be done, attempted and tried with all effort, before ever considering and taking steps towards divorce. Twenty-Four years’ experience, of some incredible ups and some horrible down turns; has taught me a lot about the marriage experience. We have been on Marriage Encounter weekends, counselors, etc. Who needs counseling? We all need counseling. Counseling is a great way to have someone in the middle to help guide you, till you can better guide yourselves.
Some basic recommended activities in a Christian Marriage include:
1. Pray together for each other, and with each other. (Rosary)
2. Read together, God’s word and other enriching books. (Bible)
3. Make decisions together, small, medium and large ones.
4. Attend Mass together, praise Jesus as a couple.
5. Continue dating; keep the romance in your marriage.
Do all you can, every possible way you can, to maintain and repair your marriage daily. I have a dear friend whose wife divorced him, he didn’t want it, and all she wanted was her independence. His response after 20 years of divorce has been, taking a vow of celibacy; in his heart, he is still married, and truly in God’s eye, he is probably right. He does nothing to cause arguments or waves, in fact he works it just the opposite, keeping harmony in his marriage with his ex-wife and his children and their families. His example has shown me, that even when it’s impossible to fix, it can still be mended. God knows our hearts.
Marriage Links:
8 Keys To A Great Marriage
http://www.dougbrittonbooks.com/onlinebiblestudies-marriageinformationandadvice/eightkeystoagreatmarriage.php
Qualities of A Godly Mate
http://bible.org/seriespage/qualities-godly-mate
“Jesus, I trust in You.”
Your brother in Christ Jesus & His Most Blessed Mother,
Jim (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr. SFO
Today we pray the Sorrowful Mysteries
1. Agony in the Garden
2. The Scourging at the Pillar
3. Crowing with Thorns
4. Carrying of the Cross
5. The Crucifixion of Jesus