The Sixth Commandment - Part 2

The Sixth Commandment – Part 2

Submitted by Thomas Stidl

         The next modern practice that needs to be discussed is known as living together or shacking up, as it is known on the street,

         The concept of dating or courtship is simple.  A male and a female start dating one another to determine if he and she are compatible for each other.  One usually finds a mate at work, in Church, at school, or at various social gatherings that they attend.  Generally, you determine most of the aspects of compatibility at that time.  However, there are exceptions to that rule.  In my case women found enough unappealing to them in me rather quickly.

         As the saying goes, love is blind; marriage is the eye opener.  Frankly, it should be the opposite way.  Love should be the eye opener and marriage should blind each of you to the others faults.  Fairy tale romances are rare exceptions in life.  God has truly blessed you, if a couple has that type of relationship.  Since the fairy tale romance is rare is probably the reason that we have so many divorces in our society because people are easily deceived.  I guess the reason for shacking up is to get to know a person better to avoid divorce.

         I also realize that one cannot see the other total person in the custom of dating.  All of us are good actors and actresses.  We are always on our best behavior on dates. Unfortunately, living together can create great sexual temptations.  If you should fall into them, there is sacramental absolution with the caveat that the couple lives separately or seeks marriage in the Church.

         Please take note that I clearly stated “marriage in the Church”.  Do not seek a 15-minute Justice of the Peace wedding.  The Justice of the Peace marriage may give you a license for sexual activity, but in the Church’s eyes, both of you are living in sin.  If you have this type of marriage, please see a priest or deacon immediately.

         You might want to go to confession and receive sacramental absolution before you affirm your wedding vows.  This insures that the soul will be in the state of grace when receiving the sacrament of Matrimony.  Above all, do not receive Holy Communion at Mass while you are in a Justice of the Peace marriage or just shacking up.  You are living in sin and to receive the Eucharist would be sacrilegious.  Never profane Our Lord in that way.

         Just keep in mind that God loves you and always wishes the best for you.  Remember, God is the third party in your marriage.  Many people forget that.

         Until next time, Laus Tibi, Christe.  Deo Gratias.  Gloria Tibi Domini.  Praise be to God.  See you in Paradise.