John 2:1-12 The Author of Married Life ● “The intimate community of life and love which constitute the married state has been established by the Creator and endowed by him with its proper laws ... God himself is the author of marriage.” Gadium et Spes 48 Marriage in the plan of Salvation ● “[...]After the fall, marriage helps to overcome self-absorption, egoism, pursit of one's own pleasure, and to open oneself to the other, to mutual aid and to self-giving.”-CCC 1609 God's call for men in marriage ● God who created man out of love also calls him to love – the fundamental and innate vocation of every human being. For man is created in the image and likeness of Gdo who is himself love. Since God created him man and woman, their mutual love becomes an image of the absolute and unfailing love with which God loves man ... And this love which God blesses is intended to be fruitful and to be realized in the common work of watching over creation. - CCC 1604 John 13:34-35 ● A new comandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. Challenges and Grace ● Free ● Self-centeredness & ● Total single mentality ● Faithful ● Unforgiveness ● Fruitful ● Unfaithfulness Discerning for Married Life ● Be fruitful in your singlehood ● What is God's vision for your marriage life? ● Prepare yourself for that vocation!