July 8, 2012 – Catechism 1638 – 1645

Michelle’s and my marriage is not indissoluble just because we made a commitment, but because God was a part of that commitment.  The way it is described, it puts it on the same level as the mark of Baptism, Confirmation, or Holy Orders.  We are marked and bonded as married, until death do us part. 

If marriage is given to us by God and grace is given to the couple as an aid to love each other, live holy together, and to build each other up, one could ask why there is so much divorce.  You could answer that many do not get married in the Church or under the eyes of God or seeking God in their lives, so Grace cannot help where it is not invited.  But even those couples that do get married in the Church, where is that Grace for them.  I think it is the same as any fallen away Catholic.  They have received Grace at Baptism, Confirmation, and maybe even the other Sacraments.  But Grace cannot help where it is not wanted.  Shutting yourself off to Grace, you shut yourself off to the help God wants to give you to be a strong and supportive spouse.