B
Bluefish
Guest
Help me settle a discussion in our family, among those of us who try to remain faithful to the Church.
I know that a marriage outside the Church between one or two cradle Catholics is not valid. However, attending such a ceremony it seems to me, is not improper for a few reasons: 1) As an observant Catholic, simply being there will be a reminder to my non-observant relatives that something (or Someone) sacred is being ignored. 2) My absence would drive a wedge between my non-observant relatives and me; my absence would be taken as an insult and as a judgmental condemnation of them. I could rationalize that what I was doing is hating the sin and not the sinner–and that would be true-- but is the resulting family feud the way to eventually help them see the light? 3) Didn’t Jesus say he came to earth to help those who are sick, and not those who are well? Didn’t he mingle freely with sinners for that reason–never approving of sin, but gently rescuing lost sheep?
I am one whose first marriage was given a writ of nullity. Many in my family attended to offer support, although they told me later that they had reservations. Had they told me of their reservations at the time, I’m sure in my stubborness I would have scoffed at them. Their support though, was a comfort in later years when I finally understood why my ex and I had not freely chosen one another.
What do you think?
I know that a marriage outside the Church between one or two cradle Catholics is not valid. However, attending such a ceremony it seems to me, is not improper for a few reasons: 1) As an observant Catholic, simply being there will be a reminder to my non-observant relatives that something (or Someone) sacred is being ignored. 2) My absence would drive a wedge between my non-observant relatives and me; my absence would be taken as an insult and as a judgmental condemnation of them. I could rationalize that what I was doing is hating the sin and not the sinner–and that would be true-- but is the resulting family feud the way to eventually help them see the light? 3) Didn’t Jesus say he came to earth to help those who are sick, and not those who are well? Didn’t he mingle freely with sinners for that reason–never approving of sin, but gently rescuing lost sheep?
I am one whose first marriage was given a writ of nullity. Many in my family attended to offer support, although they told me later that they had reservations. Had they told me of their reservations at the time, I’m sure in my stubborness I would have scoffed at them. Their support though, was a comfort in later years when I finally understood why my ex and I had not freely chosen one another.
What do you think?