Monsignor Pope Ping!
I find myself in complete agreement. Well written and well said.
The Holy Trinity requires one thing of us when it comes to our connection to our heavenly father. All we’re asked to do is Speak it out loud.
When we pray, we pray with our voice. We actually speak - even when no one is there. Many other cultures and religions allow it’s followers to “pray silently” or “Meditate and think the prayers”.
We are asked to speak them out. In our regular voices.
When we promise to god to honor our wedding vows, we do that aloud. In this way, God can hear us. We don’t just internalize our vows - we speak it. This is how we commune.
So there is no way that God would “allow” this vow to be broken. There is pretzel logic that is found through mental gymnastics because people feel that God can hear their thoughts, and must think their thoughts are pure and good.
Of course, being all-knowing - God can hear thoughts. But that’s not the point. You are allowed your thoughts. It’s when you speak out - using your voice - a vow to God that things become real.
There are very few purposes that Divorce should be considered, and I don’t believe that Divorce should be removed from the picture. But it’s too easy, it’s too easily justified by the pleebs seeking it and the concept of Divorce isn’t fully understood because the concept of Marriage isn’t fully understood. And the concept of Marriage isn’t fully understood because Prayer isn’t fully understood.
And people need to be taught.
A few years ago, someone (I don't recall who) phrased it "The children have to be adults because their parents aren't willing to be".
That’s right. Stay married to a drunken abuser. That’s even better for children than divorce.
Well....I survived my mother’s 3 marriages and father’s 4? Marriages (didn’t really know any of them except my mother)...but survived is the key word. Still feeling effects, and I’m in my 60s. Bi polar, narcissm, alcholism and depression for them didn’t help.
I was a divorce lawyer for 25 years until I became an RCIA team member. I then stopped taking new divorces and just dealt with the tragedies of post divorce. Now I’m retired.
I am in the 70th decade of my life; it has been a pretty decent life all told, with all the usual ups and downs, but I have NEVER gotten over my parents` divorce!
God actually protects some of his Saints from hard knocks, although i suspect most of his Saints are made from hard knocks.
Thanks for the post.
Why is divorce so high in the bible belt?
>> Many [children of divorce] were surprised that anyone was interested or even cared about what they thought or had experienced.
The reason is obvious, and the impact heartbreaking.
Looks to be a good read regardless of circumstances.
Any thoughts on related passages from the NT?
bkmk