finding love in a superficial age (1)
TRANSCRIPT
Baldacchino
5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
1. Gifts 2. Physical Touch 3. Words of Affirmation 4. Quality time 5. Acts of service
Relationships Pyramid
Pope John Paul II "Man cannot live without love. He remains
a being that is incomprehensible for himself. His life is senseless, if love is not revealed to him, If he does not encounter love, If he does not experience it and make it his own, If he does not participate intimately in it.“
“Dignity and balance of human life depends at every moment of history and in every place upon who man will be for women, and who women will be for men.”
Relationships of well known Christians in history
The language of the body
“Man cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of himself.” (Gaudium et Spes n.22)
Tobias and Sarah
“Now Lord, you know that I take this wife of mine not because of lust, but for a noble purpose. Call down your mercy on me and on her, and allow us to live together to a happy old age.” (Tobit 8:7)
Aspects of Femininity
Women are master of their own mystery John Paul wrote about the genius of
women Made for relationships Possess great beauty Have a deep element of mystery.
Natural Fertility Awareness
Fertility does not need to be subdued but understood. Couples using this method have a divorce rate of 1-3%.
The Bad News
JD Unwin: “In human records there is no instance of a society retaining its energy after a complete new generation has inherited a tradition which does not insist on pre-nuptial and post-nuptial continence.” (Sex and Culture, Oxford University Press, 1934).
Statistics “88.2% of Statistics are made up on the
spot.” (Vic Reeves) 3 women die from cervical cancer every day. 46% acquire HPV from first sexual
relationship. 200,000 abortions every year in Britain 40% of men use pornographic websites at
least once a year. STDs at epidemic levels, affecting 400,000
annually.
Contraception
The purpose of sex is babies and bonding.
Protection is normally something you need against an enemy not a closely beloved spouse.
Treating fertility like a disease brings a warped view of freedom and safety.
Cardinal Winning Pro Life Initiative
Open invitation for those with unwanted pregnancies, any worries or cares, pregnancy testing or counselling, help with raising the baby on your own, discuss adoption, financial assistance, need support or encouragement or have had an abortion….. We will help you.
Pope John Paul words to women who have had an abortion
Evangelium Vitae n. 99 No doubt in many cases was a
shattering decision….The wound in your heart may not have healed….Do not give into discouragement and do not lose hope…With friendly and expert help and advice… you can be among the most eloquent defenders of the right to life.
The Power of Redemptive Suffering
Human suffering needs meaning. The merit of carrying crosses has many
conversions. When we participate in the redemptive
love of Christ we are able to apply grace to souls.
Grace and Transformation Romans 8:28 “We know
that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.“
Romans 5:20 “Where sin increased, grace overflowed all the more.”
Grace “Grace is a participation in God’s inner life,
which is greater than all the miracles.” (F. Fernandez, In conversation with God, v4, p609).
“Free an undeserved help that God gives us to participate in the life of God.” (CCC 1996-7)
“Goodness of one grace is greater than the natural goodness of the entire universe.” (St Thomas Aquinas, Summa, 1-2, q. 113, a. 9).
Final Thoughts
“If you are who you really should be, you would set the world ablaze.” (St Catherine of Siena)
Don’t be Afraid to be the Saints of the new millenium. (John Paul II)
Invite the author of life and love into your love life!