August 18.  Marriage crises.   Paula shared, “Sexual issues can and do have an impact on couple relationships in various ways but we as individuals and couples seldom bring these issues to the Church. Are we embarrassed or think we won’t be listened to or accepted?”  “There are competent experts who are able to speak to life from a “God-perspective,”  Joan replied, “but it is also good to consult professionals in this area to help us explore our concerns and experiences, e.g. childhood abuse in the past and its present effects.”   

Reflect, share, act. Scripture: The Pharisees tested him by asking, “Is it lawful to divorce one’s wife for any cause”? Jesus said, “Have you not read that he who made them from the beginning made them made and female and said, “For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and the two shall become one.”? Pope Francis. Situations will arise involving human weakness and these can prove emotionally overwhelming. One spouse may not feel fully appreciated, or may be attracted to another person.  Jealousy and tensions may emerge or new interests that consume the other’s time and attention.  Physical changes naturally occur in everyone. These and so many other things rather than threatening love are so many occasions for reviving and renewing it. AL 237