S O W HAT ABOUT S T. M ATTHEW 5:32
W HERE O UR L ORD T ALKS ABOUT D IVORCE?

In the original Greek text of the Gospel (Matthew 5:32), the Lord uses the word PORNEIA which means 'illicit or unnatural relations' as the only exception to the permanence of marriage ( which in reality means there was no valid marriage if it was an unnatural union, as in the case of incest or homosexuality, bestiality). However, the Greek word MOICHEIA means 'adultery' but that word is NOT used. Hence, adultery, while still a serious and mortal sin, does not itself invalidate a marriage ( unless the person NEVER intended to enter a faithful union from the day of their wedding vows.)

Jesus uses MOICHEIA to describe 'adultery' when He says someone who looks at another's wife commits adultery, but He only uses PORNEIA once to describe the illicit and unnatural sexual relationship.

Cheating on your wife or husband is adultery (moicheia) and it is sinful and unlawful. Marrying or attempting marriage with someone you are not allowed to marry because of consanguinity ( they are too closely related by blood) or because it is unnatural ( incest or homosexual union) is also sinful and unlawful but it is also PORNEIA which means it is INVALID ( because it is unnatural). Being sinful is not enough to invalidate a marriage union. Unnatural prevents the valid marriage union from ever existing in the first place.

Someone may very well be divorced by the state; however, as far as the
Church is concerned, you are still bonded sacramentally until contrary is determined. A divorce person, as long as they don’t attempt another marriage may receive Holy Communion.

ONE MARRIAGE: TWO EFFECTS.

• The decree of divorce states that the civil union between the two is no longer bound. They are civically divorce.
• The Sacramental bond is never touched or mentioned, nor recognized by the State.

Divorce is never good, it hurts everyone involved. It should be the last resort. Sometimes, a great injustice is placed on the other spouse. It is a very sad situation. God does not leave one alone in carrying this difficult cross. The Church loves and supports you.


W HAT I S THE P URPOSE OR E NDS OF M ARRIAGE?

• The procreation and education of children (life-giving), and
• Mutual aid, conjugal love of life-partners (love-giving)

These are co-essential.You must consent to both purposes; you can’t have one without the other:
The couple must be able to perform acts that are open to the gift of life. No one has a right to children; children are a gift from God. Marriage is an exclusive, lifelong giving of total self to another. Not a borrowing for 10 years. It is irrevocable. It is indissoluble. Why? Because Jesus said so!

Marriage between a baptized man and a baptized woman is a sacrament. This means that the bond between husband and wife is a visible sign of the sacrificial love of Christ for His Church . As a sacrament, marriage gives spouses the grace they need to love each other generously, in imitation of Christ.