In 2014, Pope Francis addressed a crowd on St. Valentine’s Day. His audience consisted of about ten thousand newly-weds and about-to-be-wed couples. After a session of praying and blessing, a couple raised a question to the Holy Father. They asked him, why it was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain a relationship in the recent times. The question, though asked at random, was undoubtedly on the minds of most of the people gathered there and it was undoubtedly the ‘elephant in the room’ for some time. The advice that Pope Francis gave to this young couple was something that they and millions of married couples throughout the world took to heart.
The ‘secret’ to leading a successful married life, according to him, is by respecting three simple concepts: Permission, Thanks, and Forgiveness. Though it is easy for anyone to blurt out advice, the way Pope Francis explained why each of these actions were to be carried out, not just in married life but in all spheres of life. It was amazing clear that he believed in these values and he Himself was someone who definitely practiced what he preached.
The idea of taking Permission is a simple gesture of courtesy. It is a polite way by which we step into another person’s life. In married life, this extends to the idea of mutual consent in family matters and decisions. According to the Pope, courtesy is a godly act as it eliminates hate and preserves love. It is to be practiced and passed down to children.
The second ‘secret’, saying ‘Thank You’, is an act of gratitude. Truly, where would the world be if people weren’t grateful for what they receive? In family life, showing gratitude can extend from gestures as little as a smile that signifies a token of appreciation for something, or treating your partner for a dinner for their share of happiness in your life. Saying a simple ‘thank you’ can be so easy that it is much easier to forget saying it. This is what makes it so important in married lives! The fact that someone took the time and effort to remember something that is worth thanking for.
The last of these ‘secrets’ involves ‘Forgiveness’. Perhaps the pope saved this for the end, for a reason. In the Bible, it says ‘Forgiveness is the final form of love’. Mistakes would be made in life. It is only human to err, but it is still human to forgive. Reminded of the verse from English Poet, Alexander Pope, who says “To Err is Human, To Forgive Divine”. Forgiveness is something that shouldn’t be withheld, and forgiveness should be asked for, if you know you have wronged. Apologies aren’t meant for severe mistakes alone. The pope wants us to learn to apologize for the simple mistakes and fallacies. Who amongst us haven’t kept a loved one waiting despite a promise? Doesn’t it deserve an apology?
These simple concepts elevate the idea of marriage from merely a ‘legal tie’ that binds two people, to something that has a level of sanctity attached to it, something that endows everything that’s missing from the relationships formed within the hassles of today’s busy lives.
Loading ...
