Christ enters the couple's covenant
The Sacrament of Matrimony does not simply place an external rite over a natural relationship. Christ receives the couple's covenant and makes it an efficacious sign of his faithful and fruitful love for the Church.
In the Latin tradition, the spouses confer the sacrament on each other through their consent; a duly authorized priest or deacon assists in the name of the Church. Grace perfects their love and supports their fidelity, but it does not replace freedom or daily effort.
Suggested reading: John 2:1-11 and Ephesians 5:21-33. Christ is present in both the joy and the need of a couple, and gives their love a new source.
A path to holiness in ordinary life
Spouses grow in holiness by caring for each other in illness, earning a living honestly, reconciling, raising children, opening their home to those in need, and remaining faithful when feelings are no longer easy.
Do I usually imagine grace as a miracle that removes difficulty, or as strength that helps me love and act within the difficulty itself?
Lord Jesus, remain in our covenant, so that our small acts of love each day may become a sign of your faithful love.
References
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The Meaning of the Sacrament of Matrimony
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