The vocation to which every Christian person is called is the call to love.  The call to love is ultimately what God asks from each of us; the Gospel message is clear in this regard.  One way we can choose to live out our call to love is through the vocation of marriage.  Married people have a vocation.  Often times married couples do not see themselves as living a vocation, because in the past the word “vocation” has been so closely associated only with priesthood or religious life.  That is not the case; each of has a vocation that is rooted in our baptism.

Living life as a married person is a great privilege because the love that exists between wife and husband
is an expression of God’s perfect love for all creation.  More than being a human institution, marriage is
a sacrament of our church.  In it we recognize the presence of God and the sacredness of the spiritual, emotional and physical bond between a husband and wife.

As in all vocations, marriage requires commitment and fidelity.  Living out commitment is not an easy task, especially in a society that does not always value commitment; however, as faithful Christians, we must take our commitment seriously. By choosing to live as married people, we promise to remain faithful to our spouse.

Marriage is filled with many joyful moments and we should cherish these moments.  On the other hand, marriage is also about how we live our daily lives. The routines that couples establish and the practices they keep set the tone for their marriage.  When a married couple considers such questions as Do we pray as a couple?  Do we go to mass together?  Do we avail ourselves to those in need? Do we recognize the fact that God is a participant in our marriage?  then they will be distinguishing themselves as living the authentic Christian vocation of marriage, as opposed to a union that is easily shattered by the pressures of modern day culture.

Of course the love that exists between a man and a woman is the essential ingredient for a happy marriage.  The way we love our spouse will take on different meaning as the circumstances of our lives change.  Some couples will have to experience times of struggle and hardship, but these challenging times remind us that God is there with us and is the source of our strength.

The vocation of marriage is an opportunity to live in God’s love by recognizing in an intimate way the holiness of another person.  It is also  the chance to live out God’s love by being faithful witnesses to the Good News!