Audience: Marriage, the heart of God’s loving plan for humanity
(Vatican Radio) Married couples should never let the sun set on an argument; instead
they must make peace by remembering to always say 'please,' 'thank you,' and 'sorry.'
This was Pope Francis’ advice to husbands and wives Wednesday as he concluded his
general audience catechesis on the Sacrament of Marriage. Emer McCarthy reports:
As has become
tradition, the Pope toured among the cheering crowds in his open topped jeep, alighting
to greet a group of children who were vigorously waving flags and banners in greeting.
In his general comments in Italian, Pope Francis said: “When a man and a woman celebrate
the sacrament of marriage, God, so to speak, is ‘mirrored’ in them, He marks them
with His features and the indelible character of His love.”
Even God “is a
communion of the three persons of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, who live
forever and are forever in perfect unity. And this is the mystery of marriage: God
makes one existence of the two spouses — the Bible says ‘one flesh’ — in the image
of His love, in a communion which draws its origin and its strength from God.”
The
Pope then asked those husbands and wives present if they are aware of this “great
gift” that the Lord has given them: “The real ‘wedding gift’ is this: Your marriage
is a reflection of the Holy Trinity, and with the grace of Christ, you are a living
and credible icon God and His love.”
“The plan that is inherent in the Sacrament
of Marriage is truly wonderful! It takes place in the simplicity and also the fragility
of the human condition. We know the many trials and difficulties that the lives of
a married couple encounter... The important thing is to keep alive the link with God,
which is the basis of the marital bond.”
Joking, the Pope added: “You don’t
need to call the United Nations to your home to make peace: a small gesture is enough,
a caress, and tomorrow is a new day.”
“The family that prays together stays
together" (Servant of God Patrick Peyton). How much we need to go to pray in our families!
At the beginning and at the end of the day, before meals, at such times and in the
most delicate passages of life... We can rediscover the Rosary, which helps us feel
the presence of Mary, Queen of the family and model, along with her husband Joseph,
for every family... At the centre, then, can only be the celebration of the Eucharist,
lived together, on Sunday: there, from the table of the Word and the Body of Christ,
the bride and groom draw the strength to love each other, help each other, and forgive
each other in everyday life. In this regard, a special thought should be reserved
for married couples who find themselves in difficulty, so that God can help them with
His love and fill them with His mercy. Dear friends, we thank the Lord for the many
families who continue to animate our Christian communities, providing a precious service
and a strong testimony of faith.”
Below please find the English language
summary of the Holy Father’s catechesis:
Speaker:
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Today we conclude our catechesis on the sacraments with
the sacrament of Matrimony, which brings us to the very heart of God’s loving plan
for the human family. The Triune God created us — men and women — in his image and
calls us to mirror the mystery of his love. Married couples carry out this vocation
in a full and definitive communion of life. As “one flesh” they become living icons
of God’s love in our world, building up the Church in unity and fidelity. Christian
marriage also reflects the mystery of Christ’s own faithful and sacrificial love for
His body, the Church. Christian spouses thus receive a special consecration and a
special mission. While a noble vocation, marriage is not an easy one: it must constantly
be strengthened by a living relationship with the Lord through prayer: mornings and
evenings, at meals, in the recitation of the Rosary, and above all through the Sunday
Eucharist. Today let us pray for all families, especially those experiencing difficulties,
so that by God’s mercy they can always be joyful models of faith, love and generous
service in our communities.
Speaker: I greet all the English-speaking
pilgrims present at today’s Audience, including those from England, Wales, Denmark,
Norway, Malta, Japan, Canada and the United States. I am pleased to welcome the Catholic
Health Care Federation from the United States and the priests of the Institute for
Continuing Theological Formation at the Pontifical North American College. Upon all
of you, and upon your families, I invoke joy and peace in Christ our Lord.