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St. Joseph Catholic Church

1875 S C R 700 W
North Vernon, IN 47265

Rev. Jonathan P. Meyer, Administrator

Office Hours:

Monday Office closed
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 8:30 AM till 12:30 PM

St. Joseph Rectory Phone: 812-346-4783
Fax: 812-352-9033

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What are the two goods of marriage?

When we use the word “goods,” we normally mean ends, purposes or reasons for existence. Why does marriage exist? For what is it intended? Marriage’s two ends are (1) the good of the couple and (2) the procreation and education of offspring. These are the key and essential reasons for marriage. The Good of the Couple- This “good” of marriage is what people normally think of first. This is the close companionship, love, faithfulness, unity and self sacrifice that exist between the husband and wife. Marriage exists so that a husband and wife may complete each other. It states in the book of Genesis, “It is not good for man to be alone.” We were not created for ourselves. We were created to give ourselves away in love and service to another. Our very bodies proclaim that we, by ourselves, do not make sense. We were made to be united with another. This is married love; it is Christian service in a faithful, sacramental union. Each husband and wife through their marriage vows promise to faithfully serve one another. Of course, we are called to serve the poor and the needy and the downtrodden, but a husband and wife, in a particular way, are called to be at service to one another. This takes place in various ways: physically, emotionally, spiritually and financially. It is the responsibility of the married couple to give of themselves to their spouse totally, freely and fruitfully. In a particular sense couples are to lead each other to heaven. Marriage is intended to be a place of perfection, love and holiness. Each spouse should ask the questions: How do I care for the ultimate good of my husband/wife. How do I help them to live a virtuous life? How do I help them live out the commandments of the church? How do I help them to be the best version of themselves? How do I help them on their road to heaven- to be a saint? This is the 1st good or end of marriage! The Procreation and Education of Offspring- This “good” of marriage is once again rooted in the book of Genesis, where God commands, “Be fruitful and multiply.” This was God’s first commandment given in Sacred Scripture. Husband and wife are called to be fruitful, to bring forth life, to take part in God’s creation. But it does not end there, they are also called to nurture, love and support the young children that God gives them. Parents are to care of their children, teach them and support them. In today’s world this aspect of married love has been abused, neglected and mocked. Think of how many television shows, books, songs etc. that promote the following: -Pre-marital sex (sex before marriage) -Cohabitation (people living together prior to marriage) -Contraception (prohibiting our bodies from acting as God naturally desires) -Sterilization- (the surgical end of fertility in humans) -Abortion (killing life in the womb) All of these destroy God’s original plan for marriage. Marriage, Sex and Life are Good. Whenever we depart from God’s plan and tamper with His plan for married love we bring havoc upon the relationship of the man and the women and most important, but most neglected, their children. I am not promoting families to have 12-20 children. But I am boldly stating that LIFE as God intended is important and GOOD and HOLY! It is why married love exists!