Moment of Meditation: Better to Marry (1 Corinthians 7:8-9)

Original Broadcast: June 2010

Monthly Theme: Sixth Commandment

To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain sing as I am.
But if they cannot exercise self-control, they should marry.
For it is better to marry than to burn with passion.
(1 Corinthians 7:8-9)

Better to Marry

St. Paul puts forward a strong defense for staying single and celibate throughout life. For those, like him, who were called to deliver the Gospel, they had fewer strings to tie them down. They didn't have to worry about leaving behind a wife or husband. They didn't have to worry about what might happen to their children if something happened to them.

But Paul also realizes that this is not possible for everyone. There are some who simply cannot survive on their own. They need to marry for their own sanity. It is far better to marry than to burn with lustful passions. Marriage is the appropriate place for those passions to reside and be fulfilled.

Jesus says, "If your right eye causes you to sin, tear it out and throw it away. For it is better that you lose one of your members than that your whole body be thrown into Hell" (Matthew 5:29). Marriage is necessary and God-pleasing. If you're married, thank God for your spouse. If you're widowed, thank God for all the blessings that he gave you and your spouse during your time together. If you're not married yet, pray that God will provide you a faithful spouse. Amen.