The Catechism states that “The matrimonial union of man and woman is indissoluble: God himself has determined it "what therefore God has joined together, let no man put asunder." This unequivocal insistence on the indissolubility of the marriage bond may have left some perplexed and could seem to be a demand impossible to realize.”
Especially if they’re married to someone whose Netflix queue reads like the index of the Golden Turkey Awards! And yet, even so, tomorrow, September 16th, marks my 20th wedding anniversary. Now, according to a 2002 study by the National Center for Health Statistics, “After 5 years, 20 percent of all first marriages have disrupted, due to either separation or divorce. After 10 years, one-third of first marriages have disrupted.” By 15 years, the rate exceeds 52 percent. I couldn’t find an indication in any of the data sources how much the husband’s lifelong hobby of watching really crappy movies contributes to all those breakups, but you have to figure it plays some kind of factor, no matter how small. I guess I just got a more loving and patient woman than I deserved.
The truth is, even though the circumstances of the past 20 years have been fairly chaotic and high maintenance, and the new century in particular has dealt some downright brutal blows to both my wife and myself, the marriage relationship itself has been pretty easy going. The fact that we truly love one another helps, of course, but returning to the Church in 2001 has more than played its part in keeping our union strong. “Jesus has not placed on spouses a burden impossible to bear, or too heavy.” the Catechism reminds us. “ By coming to restore the original order of creation disturbed by sin, he himself gives the strength and grace to live marriage in the new dimension of the Reign of God. It is by following Christ, renouncing themselves, and taking up their crosses that spouses will be able to "receive" the original meaning of marriage and live it with the help of Christ. This grace of Christian marriage is a fruit of Christ's cross, the source of all Christian life.” Damn right!
Anyway, I just felt like sharing that. We usually keep to a policy around here of ignoring the man behind the curtain, but hey, how many 20th wedding anniversaries does a guy get?
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