Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Sacredness of Human Love: Living Chastity in Marriage
Reflection:
“Human love — pure, sincere and joyful — cannot subsist in marriage without the virtue of chastity, which leads a couple to respect the mystery of sex and ordain it to faithfulness and personal dedication. I have never talked about impurity, and I have always avoided falling into a distasteful and meaningless casuistry. But I have spoken many times, as I have to do, about chastity, purity and the joyful affirmation of love.
“When there is chastity in the love of married persons, their marital life is authentic; husband and wife are true to themselves, they understand each other and develop the union between them. When the divine gift of sex is perverted, their intimacy is destroyed, and they can no longer look openly at each other.”
“This is the context in which we must see the Christian doctrine on sex. Our faith does not ignore anything on this earth that is beautiful, noble and authentically human. It simply teaches us that the rule of our life should not be the selfish pursuit of pleasure, because only sacrifice and self-denial lead to true love.”
Lord Jesus Christ, we thank you for the gift of human sexuality and the power you have given us to cooperate in bringing new life into this world. Help us to see our intimacy as a privilege. Help us to see each other as Your gift to us. Grant that we may have the courage to struggle against our selfish impulses so that our love may be truly a gift of self, a chaste and pure love, that only seeks the good of the other. Amen.
For the Engaged
Lord Jesus Christ, help us to prepare for a chaste married life by living chastity right now. As we work toward self-mastery, let us never lose sight of the beautiful gift of pure married love. Let us always remember that the quality of our married love depends upon our willingness to sacrifice ourselves for each other. Beginning now, give us strength to deny ourselves so that we can affirm the great dignity of the love to which You call us. Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
OR
Novena Prayers for Marriage and Family – Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Most lovable Mother Mary, our Father in Heaven created you with delight.
You are His creature whom He made worthy to become the holy Mother of His Son.
You were born into a family of Saints. Pray for me today that my joy in your Son will increase and that my family may become more holy. Amen
(Mention your request here…)
Say 1: Our Father… 10: Hail Mary… 1: Glory Be…
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
