An age-old love that ‘rejoices at every step’

Jun 13, 2016

By Mike Nelson
"With age-old love I have loved you; so I have kept my mercy toward you," declares the Lord through the prophet Jeremiah (Jer 31:3).

This "age-old love" is precisely what Pope Francis speaks of in the section of "Amoris Laetitia" ("The Joy of Love"), his recent exhortation on family and marriage, addressing what he calls "the transformation of love" that married couples experience. "It is a deeper love," the pope says, "a lifelong decision of the heart."

That "lifelong decision" is, in fact, a reflection of the unconditional love God shows for each of us, as Scripture proclaims throughout the Old and New Testaments, by word and example.

And what greater example of "the transformation of love" can we find than in the commitment of Mary and Joseph to one another? Their marriage, though hardly conventional, was, without a doubt, filled with deep and unwavering love as they raised the child God had given them.

Joseph, assisted by an angel in a dream, was certainly transformed in his understanding of marriage. And Mary, we are told by St. Luke, often reflected "in her heart" on all that transpired in the life of her young son.

Indeed, the presence of children in any marriage is going to transform that relationship in some way -- hopefully in a way that promotes sharing, sacrifice and humility, essential components in any marriage built on a foundation of God's love.

Pope Francis further points out in "The Joy of Love" that marriage "finds new forms of expression and constantly seeks new ways to grow in strength," made possible, he adds, by daily effort.

But none of this, he adds, is possible "without praying to the Holy Spirit for an outpouring of his grace, his supernatural strength and his spiritual fire, to confirm, direct and transform our love in every new situation."

Or, as St. Paul proclaims, "By prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus" (Phil 4:6-7).

Paul also reminds us that our imperfections should not overshadow our love for one another. "God proves his love for us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8).

Translation: God loves us at our darkest moments, and we are called to do likewise in marriage (and, for that matter, in families).

Indeed, where faith, hope and love are present, what lies ahead for married couples -- salvation through Christ Jesus -- is truly joyful, says St. Peter, even though "you may have to suffer through various trials" (1 Pt 1:6).

And trials, says Pope Francis, lead to transformation that strengthens those committed to their marriage:

"Even amid unresolved conflicts and confused emotional situations, [married couples] daily reaffirm their decision to love, to belong to one another, to share their lives and to continue loving and forgiving.

"Each progresses along the path of personal growth and development. On this journey, love rejoices at every step and in every new stage."