By Sister Carmelina, O.C.D.
“It’s time for us to more than just survive; we were made to thrive.” (Casting Crowns)
In the Sacrament of Matrimony, God calls the spouses to foster holiness and fulfillment for one another. This is the purpose of the Sacramental grace of matrimony: moving forward as one and yet uniquely individual; working through and valuing the differences between yourselves in order to harmonize these into a beautiful melody. Since the good Lord understands the dynamics of marriage, He provided the graces to achieve its ultimate purpose.
Mother Luisita and her husband, Pascual, were a ‘dynamic duo’ in this regard: drawing the best out of each other; united in moving forward in their family and professional lives. Though not blessed with children, they were tireless servants of the less fortunate in their community as they worked together to build a hospital in which Dr. Pascual tended the sick with Luisita at his side. In the process, Pascual became more devout, wanting to share in his wife’s loving relationship with the Creator, and Maria Luisa grew in the virtue of self -forgetfulness. She lost some of her shyness and showed great affability in her dealings with people.
Ideally, in the course of married life, the spouses will draw closer to one another as they each draw closer to God. With God at the ultimate point and goal of our lives, the distance between spouses diminishes until they are one with God.
May God bless your marriage with this fulfillment.
