At first glance it seems like good advice, and it is good advice. But it’s based on an incorrect premise. Marriage is not “only paper”. For Catholics, even our wedding rings are blessed sacramental objects. Make no mistake it is a sacrament like Holy Orders – for those whom God calls to married life.
A piece of paper is meaningless, but the sacrament of marriage is a consecration before God to a vowed life of defined service no less binding that the vows of a priest, or even the Pope himself. It is not expected to be easy – and the task will be difficult and may be a grinding or joyous as we make it. It is for the sake of not just our own souls, but the souls of our spouse as well as both of our earthly happiness that we make the often extraordinary effort required to make it work.
It is up to you to perform your duties with great love and joy independent of other factors. If both you and your spouse do this marriage can be a wonderful sanctuary for both of you. If you do not, then marriage can become a prison of your own making. The choice and the power to transform your approach to your marriage are yours. Can you keep a promise made both to, and before God?
-Colin
You hit the nail on the proverbial head Colin! Bravo Sir a wonderful blog. Indeed one’s wedding ring is a Sacramental object that should always be visible. I hate the saying that it’s only paper…It’s not..plain and simple. Two thumbs up my friend! †
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Thank You! I’ve been incessantly bothered by people who think that marriage is “just a piece of paper”. For many of us, it is something so much more –
Colin
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