The sacrament of matrimony is an outward sign of the inner reality that is expressed in an unique and beautiful way: the unbreakable bond of love between two persons. The sacrament of matrimony mirrors that same unbreakable love that Christ has for his church.
In St. Augustine’s treatise, On the Good of Marriage, he points out procreation, fidelity, and sacrament as the benefits of marriage. Marriage requires permanence and openness. Marriage opens the door to countless expressions of love to a single person or family. Marriage is the beginning of the family, which is a lifelong commitment. It leads to oneness with that other person. Marriage is designed for purity, parenting, and love.
St. Thomas Aquinas suggests that true love derives less from emotion or passions and more from decision. St. Thomas believes that love is willing the good of another. Marriage between two people looks exactly like this love. The husband and wife want the very best for each other: a genuine and generous, selfless love. Before Jesus sat down to his last supper with the apostles, John writes, “Jesus knew that his hour had come to pass from this world to the Father. He loved his own in the world and he loved them to the end.” (John 13:1) Spouses should convey that same love for one another.
There are several people can help you discern your vocation. A priest or deacon can guide you on your discernment process, and if you decide to marry, they can help you with marriage preparation. And, a Catholic married couple can give you their own first-hand account of what married life is like.
