BY REV Fr Ojo Joe.
Let me quickly say the simple answer to the above question
is no. But then, how come we see, many times wedding
celebration of couples who are pregnant or have even given
birth in the Catholic church? The answer to this question
forms the basis of this write up. Since this article is meant to
answer non catholics who want to know about catholics and
catholics who want to know more about their Faith, I have
taken for myself the authority of Jesus as written in the
scripture only, that we all may come to know that, such
wedding is not abomination to God, but a healing for damage
of sin already committed.
The Catholic church preaches strongly against sex before
marriage. In fact, it is wrong for a man and woman to live
together if they are not married. So if sex is a sin before
marriage, then there should not be pregnancy in the first
place. But then if the couple, for any reason we know not,
had sex and it leads to pregnancy, The Church is careful not
to give penalty that may make them think of abortion or more
damaging thing therefore making them prey for devil.
So, after love making, it is presumed that they love each
other but not patient enough to wait till they exchange their
consent on the altar. They deserve to be punished but the
Church remembered what Her Master (Jesus) did when a
woman was caught in adultery and the pharisee wanted to
stone her to death, Jesus said "let he who is without sin cast
the first stone" they all left. Then Jesus asked her, did any
one condemn you, she said no one and Jesus said, neither
do I. BUT GO AND SIN NO MORE. John 8:10-11. In the same
way, those who decided to have sex before marriage and get
pregnant had committed great sin. But the baby has the right
to life. if we they are sent away because of their sin, the life
of the innocent child may be at risk. So what do we do? The
church says they should go for confession, confess all their
sins and get forgiveness from God. Then we bring them to
the altar and bless the already existing Marriage, so that their
sexual life won't continue to be a sinful act before God. The
Church, like her Master is saying, I do not condemn you GO
AND SIN NO MORE. John 8:11
Now I am sure some are feeling disgusting already on behalf
of God. You are saying in your heart as you read this, How
can church do such a thing? Do We have right to bend the
law of God? But I ask you my friend, Tell me in the bible
where Jesus said those who get pregnant before marriage
should be sent away like you do or be denied marriage. The
bible preaches against sexual immorality but never said it
cannot be forgiven.
Now let me tell you why the Catholic church provides this
solution. The truth is 90% of those who get married without
pregnancy have committed the same act that can lead to
pregnancy. I am sure you understand what I mean by that.
They are just lucky that it has not resulted into pregnancy,
may be they are claiming smart by using articial thing to stop
the natural plan of God for humanity. Enjoying something but
avoiding its result. Let me not say much about that. The
Catholic church is over 2000years. So, the problem many
churches don't see now, we have seen it. When you strictly
punish a sinner on behalf of God, you end up sending them
as food to Satan. Many couples commit abortion because of
the fear of not being accepted for marriage in the church,
Some died in the process. Some were successful but never
get pregnant again. Some were perfectly successful, but
which is better, to keep an innocent child or kill him or her for
your mistake so as to get church's approval for church
marriage? Anglican is wise enough to imitate catholic church
on this but those who feel are holier than Jesus who pardon
an adulterous woman are still with their stones. Always ready
to cast it. They never left and so the pharisees are better than
them. They are meant to pasture the flock of God and attend
to their wounds, especially the sick ones among the sheep.
But no, they throw them to wolves, "so that others will not be
infected" they say. They quickly forget their sins and focus
on another. If the Lord should start marking our guilt, who will
survive?
To you catholics and those willing to be one. This article is
not meant to give sin a beautiful appearance or encourage it.
Premarital sex remains a mortal sin in the church, and so,
that attitude of let me see and taste what I want buy first
should not be found among us. As much as we must always
bear this in mind, we should also know that cutting off our
heads can never be the right medicine for headaches. Our
God is still very much merciful. So in the name of Christ our
Lord who has come not to condem sinners but to call us to
repentance, I say to you, do not give up on yourself "Go and
sin no more"
Shalom!
Nice one
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