Discover how the meaning of marriage transforms from the Old to the New Covenant. The sacrament of marriage is unveiled as a reflection of Christ’s love for the Church. Explore the journey from polygamy and divorce to the sanctity of Christian marriage. Learn how true love thrives on sacrifice and self-giving amidst life’s challenges. Fr. Mike emphasizes the grace-filled nature of this union and the divine support available to couples, revealing the powerful connection between love and commitment.
Marriage in the New Covenant is elevated as a sacrament, signifying a restoration of its intended unity and dignity.
Jesus' teachings reinforce the permanence of marriage and emphasize the grace available to couples through their vows and challenges.
Deep dives
Marriage's Original Purpose and Its Challenges
Marriage was designed by God as a beautiful union meant to reflect love, respect, and mutual support. However, after the fall, this ideal became complicated due to human sinfulness and the presence of evil. The experience of marriage is altered, leading to challenges such as self-absorption and egoism, which marriage aims to help overcome. Amidst these challenges, the sacramental nature of marriage is emphasized, highlighting that through Christ, marriage can still embody its original dignity despite human brokenness.
God's Pedagogy of Marriage in the Old Covenant
God's guidance regarding marriage in the Old Testament evolved as He worked with a people accustomed to practices like polygamy and divorce. While these practices were tolerated due to the hardness of human hearts, God aimed to elevate understanding toward the ideal of marital unity and fidelity between one man and one woman. The traditional texts, including the books of Ruth and Tobit, serve to enhance the perception of marriage as a commitment rooted in love and dignity. This evolution signified God's patient teaching methods in leading people toward recognizing the true purpose of marriage.
The Indissolubility of Marriage in Christ
Jesus reinforced the permanence and indissolubility of marriage, declaring that divorce was a concession to human hardness of heart and not God's original intent. His presence at the wedding at Cana signifies the importance and goodness of marriage as a sacrament, through which couples can receive divine grace. By living out their marital vows, spouses also reflect the profound mystery of the union between Christ and the Church. The call to follow Christ and embrace the cross empowers couples to embody love and commitment in challenging situations, emphasizing that grace is available to strengthen their union despite life's obstacles.
How is the meaning of marriage different in the New Covenant? The Catechism teaches us today that Christ elevates the gift of marriage to a sacrament and restores the original order of this powerful union between man and woman. Fr. Mike explains why marriage looked different in the Old Covenant and how God was preparing his chosen people throughout time to accept Christ’s law of marriage. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 1609-1617.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode