Scared of Marriage? Don’t Be

Last month, I became a married man. In preparing for the big day, there were thoughts that creeped up that wanted me to reconsider. Yet, I took it to prayer and let God guide me to the altar with my now wife.

As someone who grew up with divorced parents, it was the No. 1 thought that crept into second-guessing my pursuit of a vocation of sacrifice and service.

Another was the fear of the unknown. Yet, I trusted God as the Prophet Jeremiah reminded me that he has a plan for me.

Today, we are seeing a rise in many unmarried couples or even marriages without Christ at the center. Many marriages would end in divorce as God is not the main focus of the relationship.

Ewan McGregor had a line in Moulin Rouge, which he said, “The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return.” Everyone is meant for love.

Sts. Louis and Zelie Martin never intended to get married. Yet, a priest spoke to them, encouraging them to have a God-fearing marriage. They would go on to give the church the greatest gifts, and those were five religious sisters. One was St. Therese of the Little Flower.

Marriage can change when we look at holy examples of married saints, and encourage the younger generations to never be afraid of pursuing heaven with the person they wish to court and marry.

Fulton Sheen tells us, “When a man loves a woman, he has to become worthy of her. The higher her virtue, the more noble her character, the more devoted she is to truth, justice, goodness, the more a man has to aspire to be worthy of her. The history of civilization could be written in terms of the level of its women.”

The goal of any Catholic marriage is to lead your spouse to heaven. It will not be an easy task. Rather, it will be one of embracing and bearing. Marriage is a sacrament of sacrifice and service, as God’s love is perfected through the love of a married couple.

We must also have our marriage centered on God. Without him, we bring out the worst in each other.

Do not be afraid to pursue marriage. Seek one that will lead you to heaven.