Because marriage is a Sacrament it should be received only after the same careful preparation as is made for the reception of the other sacraments. Those who receive Holy Communion while in the state of mortal sin become guilty of a sacrilege. Likewise those who contract marriage with the words "I do" while in the state of sin, at that very moment have committed a sacrilege. It is feared that many marry merely to gratify their lust, and this is contrary to the pure and holy purpose for which God has instituted and Christ has raised this contract to the dignity of a sacrament. We must remember the words of the Angel Raphael to Tobias: "They who in such manner receive matrimony, as to shut out God from themselves and from their mind, and to give themselves to their lust, as the horse and the mule, which have not understanding, — over them the devil hath power." Tob. 6: 17.
People often think and talk much about a civil contract before they enter into it. How much more should we consider and pray before we enter into the sacred contract of matrimony? Those who without due preparation enter into the married state, or do so inconsiderately and frivolously, as is often done, act against the will of God, and thereby commit a sin.
St. Paul says: "Husbands, love your wives as Christ also loved the Church." _ Eph. 5:29. Such a love is faithful, indulgent and holy. Christ never did nor will He ever forsake the Church. His love never grows cold. He offers Himself up daily for her and unceasingly imparts to her His grace. The love of married people must not grow cold in the course of time, nor turn into indifference, much less into aversion and hatred. Attractions, charms and beauty may pass away, but love must be enduring.
Christ is always patent with our many faults. How mercifully He treats sinners. In like manner married people must be indulgent with each other, and bear with patience their mutual faults and frailties.
The Apostle says that Christ thinks continually "of sanctifying and purifying His Church and presenting her to Himself without spot or wrinkle." Likewise Christian married people must endeavor by instruction, good example, and prayer, to assist each other in the path of virtue and holiness.
The primary purpose of marriage is the bearing and raising of children. This is an essential element in the sacrament of marriage. Therefore married people are not allowed to frustrate this natural purpose in any way. They must learn to welcome every child they may be given as a gift from God to be treasured and returned to Him one day in Heaven.
It is not enough to just bring children into this world. Parents are bound to bring up their children as useful members of society and as pious members of the Church. Parents must see that their children learn some trade or business, accustom themselves form childhood to economy and a regular life, act honestly, and conduct themselves properly; for only in such a way is there hope that they will eventually fulfill their duties as citizens and contribute to the common good of society.
Most importantly parents must implant religion and the fear of God in the hearts of their children from their earliest years; they must instruct them in Christian doctrine. They must guard them against seduction, sin, and vice; exhort them to prayer and the use of the means of salvation, and give them a good example. Woe to parents if they be satisfied with providing for their children in this life, but care not whether they be saved or damned. They neglect the principle end for which matrimony was instituted, and cannot stand without trembling before the judgment seat of God.
As the married state imposes such great and important duties, married people evidently need great graces; for with human strength alone these duties can not be fulfilled. And can all those who have entered the state of matrimony reasonably expect these special graces? Not if, contrary to the known will of God, and despite their vocation to another condition of life, they have rashly taken upon themselves the burdensome duties of the married state. Recognise therefore the necessity of a divine vocation for the holy state of matrimony.