Yesterday, there were many posted commentaries on Catholic blogs and other sources (NewAdvent.org, etc.) regarding the split of former Vice President Al Gore and his wife, Mary Elizabeth, commonly known as "Tipper." It's particularly disheartening from the perspective of someone going into marriage for the first time, especially considering that this separation comes after both pitching himself as the "faithful" politician in the wake of the Clinton scandal involving Monica Lewinsky AND having already worked through 40 years of marriage with his wife.
Today, I spoke with two parties, who were losing their spouse/significant others after 20 years and 5 years of commitment. Needless to say, that is really disheartening!
I am admittedly a little phobic (meaning that I think that what happens to most people will also happen to me) unless I can identify the cause and not let that cause happen. So, as I was listening to these conversations, one thing rang true in both cases: the party leaving did not share the faith or values of the brokenhearted party.
So, I looked up the next book on my reading list, Three to Get Married, for a quick little shot of encouragement before I left work with divorce on my mind. Here's a little nougat:
It takes three to make Love in Heaven--
Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
It takes three for Heaven to make love to earth--
God, Man, and Mary, through whom God became Man.
It takes three to make love in the Holy Family--
Mary, and Joseph, and the consummation of their love, Jesus.
It takes three to make love in hearts--
The Lover, the Beloved, and Love.
To that Woman
Who taught the sublime mystery of Love,
Mary Immaculate,
This book is dedicated.
That nations, hearts, and homes may learn
That love does not so much mean to give oneself to another
As for both lovers to give themselves to that Passionless Passion,
Which is God.
1 comment:
Great post, Kateri! I really like the clip from the book by Bishop Sheen.
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