Today’s Theme: Marriage Is the Unique Union of a Man and a Woman
Breaking Open the Theme
In the beginning, says Sacred Scripture, God created man and woman in his image, “male and female He created them” (Gn. 1:27). In His wisdom, God planned that man and woman would be made for each other. God willed that man and woman would hold something different and distinct in their sex that when brought together in union, would uniquely complement each other.
Although we should never lose a sense of the mystery of what it means to be human, we should be able to recognize that obvious differences exist between men and women, and that these differences are blessed by God. These differences can be seen not only in biological terms, but also in how we think, express ourselves, and even pray. A most obvious difference can be seen in the separate gifts a man and a woman bring to sexual intercourse. Together, they jointly hold the potential to bring new life into the world.
Reflection
She proudly thinks of herself as a multi-tasker, able to juggle many things at once. Her husband might counter that he likes to concentrate on one thing at a time, focusing his attention on the task at hand. She may need to share her worries; he may be surprised to find that she isn’t expecting him to fix them. He discovers that she needs to talk and relax into feeling romantic; she wishes he figured that out sooner. The beauty of marriage is that spouses have a lifetime to understand and appreciate their differences. Vive la difference!
To Think About
(1) Name one or two ways your spouse approaches problems that differ from the way you like to do things.
(2) As a man or a woman, what unique qualities do you bring to relationships, at work and in your family?
(3) How does being a man (woman) impact how you approach your relationship with God?
Prayer for Married Couples
Almighty and eternal God,
You blessed the union of married couples
So that we might reflect the union of Christ with his Church:
look with kindness on us.
Renew our marriage covenant.
increase your love in us,
and strengthen our bond of peace
so that, [with our children],
we may always rejoice in the gift of your blessing.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
