In Philadelphia, three years ago - the Holy Father, Pope Francis presided over the World Meeting of Families. It was a fresh air blowing across the Catholic United States and those who do not necessarily share our Catholic faith but found solace in the presence of the Holy Father. We have been blessed to have him visit our country and bless all families. I hope you were all, at one point, have been blessed by his visit. One of the most beautiful words that he spoke about family is this, he said: "All the love and beauty God has in Himself, he gives it to the family." In simplicity, the Holy Father is saying that the family is a reflection of the Holy Trinity.
I have heard it said that when you marry, it is like going back to school again because one learns to love and forgive in marriage. And it must be constantly learned. Marriage is a school of love, it is a school of forgiveness, a school of healing.
Marriage in the Catholic Church is so beautiful that it is not just being partners, not just fulfilling the natural human desire to share one’s life with another but it is also a sacrament. Like all the sacraments, marriage unites the couple with Jesus, and brings them God’s blessing. It is not just husband and wife united to each other in marriage; it is husband and wife united to each other with Jesus in marriage.
Marriage and families are facing many different and difficult challenges in today's society. As a community of faith, let us continue to pray for strength in order to face these challenges with the grace of God. If we see young couples clasping hands ... completely in love with each other, we ask the question, "is there anything more beautiful in life than this love?" Yes, there is more beautiful thing ... it is an old couple finishing their life's journey together, clasping hands, still radiant.
"Yes, there is more beautiful thing than young love - old love."
I have heard it said that when you marry, it is like going back to school again because one learns to love and forgive in marriage. And it must be constantly learned. Marriage is a school of love, it is a school of forgiveness, a school of healing.
Marriage in the Catholic Church is so beautiful that it is not just being partners, not just fulfilling the natural human desire to share one’s life with another but it is also a sacrament. Like all the sacraments, marriage unites the couple with Jesus, and brings them God’s blessing. It is not just husband and wife united to each other in marriage; it is husband and wife united to each other with Jesus in marriage.
Marriage and families are facing many different and difficult challenges in today's society. As a community of faith, let us continue to pray for strength in order to face these challenges with the grace of God. If we see young couples clasping hands ... completely in love with each other, we ask the question, "is there anything more beautiful in life than this love?" Yes, there is more beautiful thing ... it is an old couple finishing their life's journey together, clasping hands, still radiant.
"Yes, there is more beautiful thing than young love - old love."