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How to Have a Successful Marriage

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Father Jonas Abib
Cançăo Nova
©Catholic Online 2005

Scientists affirm that the greenhouse effect and the ozone hole have been growing uncontrollably. Despite the fact that global temperatures are increasingly warmer, faith is going colder all around the world. The widespread attitude at present is: be efficient rather than praying, because it is up to you to solve your own problems. Jesus, on the contrary, advises people to pray incessantly and never give up:

"Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said, "There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and say, 'Render a just decision for me against my adversary.' For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, 'While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come and strike me.'" The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Luke 18, 1-7).

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God also teaches us through this Parable how to have a successful marriage: "pray always without becoming weary".

In fact, you are not simply struggling to overcome your spouse's alcoholism and adultery, you are not simply fighting against the rebellion of your children who get involved in drugs and lead a wild unruly life: the real battle you are facing goes beyond human power. It is a spiritual battle! We are all fighting against enemies in the spiritual world who want to destroy marriage.

Despite all difficulties, God tells us that: "Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete" (John 16,24). We unite Heaven and earth through prayer. God wants to listen to your prayer and He wants to answer you. Allow Him to solve those problems that seem impossible of being solved and that are beyond the limits of your personal strength.

God's Redeeming Power can put an end to drug addictions, alcoholism, unfaithfulness, adultery and the heavy burden of resentments that you have been carrying all the while. God wants to intervene in all these problems, including your state of mind, personality and moods. Just make you decision for God and the Holy Spirit will act in your life!

Your Brother

Father Jonas Abib