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JUBILEE TEACHING

Matrimony: partners in Christ

JUBILEE TEACHING FOR APRIL 27, 2008 | SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER

JUBILEE TEACHING

Through the Catholic sacrament of matrimony, a man and woman commit themselves to a lifelong partnership, established for the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of their children.

The Old Testament states that man was made in the image and likeness of God, and that man and woman were made for each other; through marriage, they become one. Furthermore, the church teaches that since God created man out of love and calls him to love, it is fitting that the union of man and woman should be a sacrament. The spouses’ mutual love mirrors love of God; their children, who are their own creations, are also part of God’s creation.

The church understands that the evil in the world makes marriage difficult. Jealousy, power struggles and conflicts can lead to bitterness and separation. Hard work and the pain of childbirth are added burdens. However, Jesus taught that marriage is indissoluble: “Therefore, what God has joined together, no human being must separate” (Mt 19:6).

Through the sacrament of matrimony, the church teaches that Jesus gives the strength and grace to live the real meaning of marriage. As Paul wrote in exhortation, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ loved the church and handed himself over for her to sanctify her” (Eph 5:25-26).

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JUBILEE TEACHING

Matrimony: partners in Christ

JUBILEE TEACHING

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