I am using the pictures Nancy shared on her blog after our time there to go along with my sharing today as I am low on new pictures to use and these are fun to revisit.
The words of Christ to us today are carried forth in our Church teachings...“Let the children come to me; do not prevent them,
for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these...." Mark 10:13-16
"Do not prevent them" Our Church gives us the Truth that we are not to artificially prevent children using artificial birth control. Taking God out of the equation is being taught us as how we are to be in our marriages by the culture of death! Natural spacing with NFP is still allowing God to be in the picture. Yet, we are called to be open to LIFE and then the responsibility of sharing and teaching the Faith in our domestic Church/family homes!
The wisdom of the Magisterium and of our Church - each marital act needs to be open to being Fruitful - new LIFE!
The Magisterium
The Church also, fulfilling the role given it by Christ as the identifier and interpreter of apostolic Scripture and apostolic tradition, has constantly condemned contraception as gravely sinful.
In Humanae Vitae, Pope Paul VI stated, “[W]e must once again declare that the direct interruption of the generative process already begun, and, above all, directly willed and procured abortion, even if for therapeutic reasons, are to be absolutely excluded as licit means of regulating birth. Equally to be excluded, as the teaching authority of the Church has frequently declared, is direct sterilization, whether perpetual or temporary, whether of the man or of the woman. Similarly excluded is every action which, either in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible” (HV 14).
This was reiterated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “[E]very action which, whether in anticipation of the conjugal act, or in its accomplishment, or in the development of its natural consequences, proposes, whether as an end or as a means, to render procreation impossible is intrinsically evil” (CCC 2370). “Legitimate intentions on the part of the spouses do not justify recourse to morally unacceptable means . . . for example, direct sterilization or contraception” (CCC 2399).
The Church also has affirmed that the illicitness of contraception is an infallible doctrine: “The Church has always taught the intrinsic evil of contraception, that is, of every marital act intentionally rendered unfruitful. This teaching is to be held as definitive and irreformable. Contraception is gravely opposed to marital chastity, it is contrary to the good of the transmission of life (the procreative.aspect of matrimony), and to the reciprocal self-giving of the spouses (the unitive.aspect of matrimony); it harms true love and denies the sovereign role of God in the transmission of human life” (Vademecum for Confessors 2:4, Feb. 12, 1997).
Yes, many see the horror of taking the lives of the innocent in abortion, yet so few take to heart the the condemnation of artificial birth control! How Satan has lied to us that we have a right to take our family planning into our own hands and prevent welcoming a large family as His plan for us! So sad that vacations, houses, cars, our own selfish time to ourselves or big jobs has deprived many of having more children which definitely bring us to the Lord!
Family Soul Story - Choose Life!: The story of little Lamb - grandson Patrick
Yes, when we are open to LIFE we have to face crisis and disappointments along the way. The Cross comes along to keep us looking to Jesus and knowing that He is in control and not we ourselves. The phrase "Jesus, I trust in you." was introduced to us by Bishop LeVoir in a most stressful terrifying time in John's battle with brain cancer... growing back through the chemo! "When in times of great distress repeat these words; 'Jesus, I trust in you.' "
Our story of being open to LIFE is filled with many losses, and even though I prayed so hard that my girls would not have to suffer as I did - there are 7 of my losses and now 6 of the girls'. My plans for 12 kids did not happen as I pictured - 5 here and 7 in heaven.
Sharing that pain of loss has had some wonderful and surprising effects upon our family. We LOVE ALL LIFE with such a passion! Also we are very close to one another after knowing how precious are those here with us after many losses. Finally they keep our eyes on heaven and someday being united as a complete family with those "children" that are in heaven being touched by Jesus and praying for us.
Family Soul Story - Choose Life!: Our marriage stories - "The world needs LIGHTS!"
Again Jesus shares how we come closer to the Kingdom of God through children as it belongs to those that are childlike and Trust in Jesus. How can I be open to more children and have a large family, Lord? Trust in Jesus and allow Him to be a part of each marital conjugal act so that they are ALL LIFE giving and fruitful. What JOY!
"Then he embraced the children and blessed them,
placing his hands on them." Mark 10:16
Children keep us on our knees and in prayer. They also allow us to teach them The Faith in our homes, and how they love to learn about Jesus, Mary, the Saints, and our beautiful amazing Church! The Saints were so important and beloved by our children! They teach us how to LOVE Jesus, Trust Jesus, live holy lives in spite of our weaknesses, and persevere no matter what we face in life.
Jesus, we are so blessed by all you give us from The Word- Your Truth! May we die to self so that your Holy Spirit may be at work in our lives and our domestic Church/family. May we give without counting the cost. Embracing our Most Cherished Cross and finding LIFE/LOVE/LIGHT. Jesus, we trust in you. Bless-bless, Barbara and the 46 - 33 here and 13 in heaven
Danielle Rose Peter Mayer - Holy now
No comments:
Post a Comment