A Meditation on Fruitfulness, Fidelity, and the Conjugal Embrace

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It is that very argument that appears to cast the tone or summarize Pope John Paul II’s address. Specifically, the pope is attending to the problem of the contemporary world that has forgotten the meaning or has grown to no longer believe in life, love fidelity, and forgiveness. To solve this problem, the pope seems to suggest that the world needs to be reinforced by the new and eternal Covenant, which reveals and teaches again the traits that we have pushed aside. In addition to this, the pope explains that Christian marriage is more than just marriage and that love is more than just love in the sense that transfigured by the Spirit, love builds up eternity and reminds the reader that, “the true Bridegroom of the definitive wedding feast is Christ, and the Bride is the Church” (John Paul II 469). He recognizes that although this may not be a popular belief in today’s society it addresses the importance the Church places on Christian families.

The pope casts one last piece of advice in the closing of his address by describing Christian life as a journey of educational growth. Referring again to the analogy of the mountain, the journey to the top demands a significant amount of time and effort, where countless instances of obstacles, hesitations, and recoveries will occur. However, it is this journey the pope argues will one achieve self-mastery and pure respect for the ends of the marriage act while also building upon the already existing respect for human life. It is through this journey that one can realize his/hers role both in the world and the Church.

Although Pope John Paul II does not explicitly mention any influences aside from referring to multiple biblical events and teachings, he does refer to the words of Paul VI to further support his emphasis on journeying. More specifically, the pope refers to Paul’s words to the Teams of Our Lady Movement 1970 where he says, “The spouses’ path, like every human life, involves many steps, and difficult and painful phase…also have their place in it. But we must say clearly: anguish and fear must never dwell in souls of good will” (470). John Paul II refers to this to ultimately address the dilemma in society mentioned before and to convey that spiritual combat and regret of sins have a role to play in moving forward and making oneself more fraternal. The Eucharist therefore is the fuel or food for this journey, the pope suggests, as it is the Truth and the Life, and at the same time the Way (471). The pope does an excellent job summarizing and conveying his message one last time in terms that are easy to comprehend for the reader. In a contemporary world where the vast majority of people are easily distracted by “polluted streams” there needs to me a refocus on life devoted to the sacrament of the Covenant, where marriage is promoted and nourished by the Eucharist and likewise, the Eucharist nourished by the sacrament of marriage.

Works Cited

John Paul II. " God’s Gift of Life and Love: On Marriage and the Eucharist " Communio - International Catholic Review 41.2 (2014): 362-372. Web. 13 Nov. 2016.