The Unimaginable Dignity of Marriage

Pope Francis recently released a catechesis on the “Unimaginable Dignity” of Christian Marriage, by drawing upon the teachings of St. Paul to describe the responsibility and meaning of marriage.

“St. Paul says that Christians — all of them — are called to love one another as Christ loved them, that is, “to be subject to one another” (Eph. 5:21), which means being at the service of one another.”

“The husband — Paul says — is to love his wife “as his own body” (Eph. 5:28); to love her as Christ “loved the Church and gave himself up for her” (v. 25). But do you husbands who are here understand this? To love one’s wife as Christ loves the Church? This isn’t a joke, it’s a serious matter. The effect of this radical dedication required of man, for the love and dignity of the woman, after the example of Christ, must have been enormous in the Christian community.”

Marriage, the union between one man and one woman, is a statement to the world, and especially one’s own society, that one stands for human dignity and the responsibility of love. Marriage is a man and a woman continuing the human race as deigned by God, by serving each other and the human race in love and example.

“Men and women, who are brave enough to carry this treasure in the “earthen vessels” of our humanity  — these courageous men and women —  are an essential resource for the Church, and for the world. May God bless them a thousandfold for this.”

Source and quotes via Aleteia