The Movement of Pure Hearts for Married Couples (16/2010)
Author: Mirosław Rucki, ks. M. Piotrowski,
"Love One Another!" 16/2010 → Christian family
Immediately upon creating the first human being as man and woman, God founded the institution of marriage: “the two of them become one body” (Genesis 2: 24). Why then do we separate our bodies with latex condoms? Why do we destroy marriage’s spiritual unity by our contraceptive mentality? We lose a great deal, and gain nothing.
But the greatest tragedy here is the sin of refusing to cooperate with our Creator. If God planned that our union should have offspring, whom we deny the right to life, are we not then committing the sin of obedience to God? Marriage is a vocation–a calling to carry out a mission, which consists in cooperating with God in the work of creation. The family that is open to love and fertility is the basic community of the Church. Such a family is, in the words of Servant of God, John Paul II, an “icon of the Blessed Trinity.” Only in such families that are ordered toward the love of God and obedience to His laws, can we attain that perfect happiness the flows from harmony with God’s plan.
God created human beings as man and woman so that in the sacrament of marriage they might constitute an indissoluble unity, support each other in difficult times, and share their joy and love. God willed that out of this holy and pure bond there might come into the world children who are loved and accepted, to whom their parents devote their time and attention. This is not some utopian ideal; it is the normal order of things, which God intended for us human beings. If we act otherwise, we act abnormally. Is it not then well worth our while to put some effort into being obedient to God, so as to return to a state of normality?
Marital love requires the constant deepening of our inner life through personal contact with Jesus in daily prayer and the sacraments to penance and the Eucharist. It requires inner discipline and constant work on oneself. It requires mutual trust, mutual support, and constant forgiveness. There is no achieving happiness and authentic unity in marriage without systematic effort, admitting one’s mistakes, and correcting them.
The sacrament of marriage gives us supernatural strength, which flows from the special graces that God bestows upon the couple. In sacramental confession, Jesus teaches us to forgive, receive forgiveness, and start anew. In the Eucharist, Jesus gives every believer–and especially married couples–the power to be transformed according to God’s will. Praying together, especially the rosary, and reading Holy Scripture strengthens the family bond and opens up a vision of a future together built on Christian values, pure love, and forgiveness. Let us not neglect these basic elements upon which we can build an authentically happy marriage and family.
Mirosław Rucki
Dear couples! We urge you to persevere in your efforts to remain together, to learn about each other, and understand one another more profoundly. Our society stands in desperate need of married couples who will undertake this effort. We therefore urge you to become members of our community of Pure Hearts. The Movement of Pure Hearts reminds married couples that they are not alone in this journey, that other couples are overcoming the same difficulties, and that they can strengthen each other through prayer and example.
To join MPHMC, all you need is a desire to walk with Jesus, who then becomes the head of your family. Again we invite you to go together to Confession, receive Holy Communion, and say the Prayer of Consecration:
Lord Jesus, we consecrate our marriage to you: our minds, our memories, our bodies, and souls. Teach us to love each other and our children with that love which flows from Your Merciful Heart. Lord Jesus Christ, grant us a pure heart modeled upon yours, that together we might perfect a love that is wise, generous, faithful, and free from self-interest, a love that steadfastly upholds your laws and commandments. May daily family prayer, the rosary, the chaplet of divine mercy, Holy Mass, and frequent reception of the Eucharist assist us in this endeavor. May we confess at once every serious sin through the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Grant that we may continually draw on the graces that you make available to us through the Sacrament of Marriage.
Lord Jesus, be master of our hearts. Teach us to control our sexual desires and feelings, that our love for each other and our children may not be subject to our moods and emotional states. Rather, may our love be a continual expression of our care and solicitude for each other. Grant us the gift of pure conjugal love, that we may give of ourselves generously. Cleanse our love of all selfishness, that we may always forgive and pray for each other without nursing grudges. To remain pure in heart, we vow never to read, buy, or look at pornographic materials. We pledge never to use contraceptives and always to be ready to accept every child that God may send us. Lord, help us to avoid everything that ensnares, enslaves, or incites to evil.
Mary, our Mother, guide us in our journey of faith. Lead us to the very Source of Love–to Jesus, that we may trust and believe in Him alone. After the example of Servant of God, John Paul II, we entrust ourselves to you: Totus Tuus, Mary! To your Immaculate Heart we confide ourselves totally, all that we are, every step we take, and every minute of our lives. Amen!
Recite this prayer every day so as to be mindful of the promises you made on your wedding day. We invite you to inform LOA of your decision to become members of MPHMC. Send us your address, dates of birth, the date of your marriage, and the date you decided to join our community. We in turn will inscribe your names in The Book of Pure Hearts and send you our special blessing. Share with others the treasure of your faith and consider submitting to LOA your personal witness of living in the graces of the sacrament of marriage. May Jesus deepen and strengthen your mutual love. Christ’s blessings to you all.
Fr. M. Piotrowski & the LOA staff
The article was published with the permission from "Love One Another!" in June 2016.
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