"This at last is bone of my bones and Flesh of my flesh"
- Genesis 2:23
The insights shared on this page are drawn from Sunday Homilies with Father Mike Schmitz (10/6/24: Marriage: A Catholic Vision), and God’s Plan for Love and Marriage by Dr. Edward Sri. Incorporating the teachings of St. John Paul II in his work, Theology of the Body, Dr. Sri provides a deep and thoughtful exploration of God’s original design for marriage. Together, these resources offer a rich and comprehensive understanding of the beauty and purpose of marriage as envisioned by God from the very beginning.
Marriage: A Sacred Calling
Marriage is more than a relationship—it’s a vocation, a sacred calling. Each of us is created with a universal purpose: to spend eternity with God. For those called to marriage, it becomes the primary path through which spouses guide each other toward Heaven. Marriage is a journey of becoming the individuals God intended us to be—a response to His invitation to grow in holiness together and pursue the ultimate goal of eternal life with Him.
Christ’s call, “Come, follow Me,” urges us to set aside self-interest and prioritize others. Every vocation demands selflessness, and marriage is no exception. When you marry, you do more than exchange vows; you enter a sacred covenant—an unconditional commitment to give yourselves fully to one another. True love, as God envisions it, is a complete gift of self. In marriage, spouses are called to embody this love—selflessly, sacrificially, and without reservation—mirroring the way Christ loves us.
– Sunday Homilies with Father Mike Schmitz (10/6/24: Marriage: A Catholic Vision)
God's Original Plan
“St. John Paul II explains that man only finds fulfillment when he lives in a relationship of mutual self-giving, living not for himself, but for another person. When God-Yahweh says, ‘It is not good that man should be alone’ (Genesis 2:18), He affirms that ‘alone,’ man does not fully realize his essence. He realizes it only by existing ‘with someone’—and, even more deeply, by existing ‘for someone.’” (p. 5). “It is only when we give ourselves in love to others, that we will find the happiness we long for.” (p. 3)
Adam, too, was designed to love selflessly, yet he found himself unable to fully realize this purpose alone. In response, God formed Eve, prompting Adam to proclaim with delight, “This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh” (Genesis 2:23)—a heartfelt cry of joy upon discovering a companion who was truly his equal. Through Eve, Adam could now embody the selfless love for which he was created. (p. 6)
In their union, Adam and Eve saw each other through God’s eyes. “They saw each other the way God Himself saw them.” There was no fear of being exploited or hurt, only the freedom to give of themselves fully. (p. 9)
– God’s Plan for Love and Marriage, Dr. Edward Sri
After The Fall
When sin entered the world, Adam ceased to see Eve as a precious gift entrusted to his care. He lost sight of her intrinsic worth, no longer cherishing her for her true self. It was as if Adam had descended into a state akin to that of the animals, governed solely by instinct and selfish desires. (p. 10)
Consequently, Adam and Eve instinctively concealed their sexuality from each other. Doubting that the other acted with their best interests at heart, they felt vulnerable and ashamed. Shame replaced the absolute trust that once defined their relationship in its original state of innocence.” Without the foundation of mutual selfless love and unwavering trust, they could no longer offer themselves to one another with complete freedom. (p. 11)
– God’s Plan for Love and Marriage, Dr. Edward Sri
Embracing God's Plan
Today, God’s vision for marriage remains as beautiful and unchanging as ever—a holy covenant of self-giving love that draws both spouses nearer to Him. St. John Paul II, in his Theology of the Body, reminds us that authentic, enduring love rises above fleeting emotions, anchoring itself in the unconditional gift of self. By embracing this vocation, we open ourselves to a love that mirrors God’s own divine love, steadfast and resilient through every season of life.
At Cana Connections, we are devoted to upholding this sacred vision of marriage. We accompany faithful Catholic singles on their journey to find a spouse who shares their longing to love as Christ does—selflessly, sacrificially, and with an eternal purpose.
