Bishop Barron on Marriage and Relationships

Summary

In this insightful discourse, P. Robert Barron delves into the concept of marriage and relationships through the lens of Aristotle's 'third transcendent'. He suggests that friendships and relationships endure when they are centered around a shared love for something beyond the individuals involved, such as their country, truth, or beauty. Barron parallels this principle to the Catholic liturgy's emphasis on glorifying God to achieve peace among people. He applies this concept to marriage within the Catholic Church, arguing that couples should marry not just because they love each other, but because they are united in their love for God and a shared mission. This transcendent love is the key to a lasting and meaningful Christian marriage, as illustrated by Fulton J. Sheen's book 'Three to Get Married', which also highlights the necessity of a third party—God—in a successful marriage.

Takeaways

• 📚 Aristotle's 'third transcendent' concept suggests that friendships and relationships endure when they are focused on a shared, higher good beyond the individuals involved.
• 💑 The speaker illustrates the idea with the example of two friends loving their country, truth, or beauty together, which transcends their individual egos.
• 🔄 Aristotle believed that relationships based solely on mutual affection would eventually become exhausted over time.
• ⛪ The Catholic liturgy is seen as reflecting this principle, where glorifying God leads to peace among people, indicating a shared love for a transcendent good.
• 🤔 The speaker questions couples about their reasons for wanting to marry in the Catholic Church, emphasizing that mutual love alone is not a sufficient reason.
• 💡 The true reason for marrying in the Catholic Church should be a discerned shared love for God and the belief that God has brought them together for a purpose.
• 👫 The concept of marriage in the Catholic Church involves not just the couple's love for each other, but also their love for God and a common mission.
• 📖 Fulton J. Sheen's book 'Three to Get Married' is mentioned, which aligns with the Aristotelian principle of needing a 'third' in a marriage, which is God.
• 🙏 The importance of seeking God's will and purpose in relationships is highlighted, suggesting that this approach leads to a happier path.
• 💔 The warning against seeking love alone, as it may lead to seeking it in the wrong places, is a key message.
• 🔍 The final takeaway is the advice to find someone who shares the same passion for God's purpose, which is the foundation for a Christian marriage.

Q & A

What does P. Robert Barron suggest about the concept of 'third transcendent' in the context of friendship according to Aristotle?

P. Robert Barron explains that Aristotle's concept of 'third transcendent' refers to a friendship that lasts because two friends love something beyond themselves, such as their country, the truth, or beauty. This shared love of a transcendent good is what sustains the friendship.

How does Barron describe the potential downfall of a relationship that is solely based on mutual love between two individuals?

Barron suggests that if a relationship is only based on mutual love between two individuals, it may eventually become exhausted over time, as it is limited to the shared egoism of the two people involved.

What is the paradox that Barron refers to regarding friendships and their longevity?

The paradox Barron refers to is that friendships that include a 'third transcendent' element, such as a shared love for a higher good, are the ones that endure, rather than those that are solely based on mutual affection.

How does Barron connect the 'third transcendent' concept to the Catholic liturgy and its impact on relationships?

Barron connects the concept to the Catholic liturgy by explaining that when God is glorified (the 'third transcendent'), peace is achieved among people. This implies that relationships can be peaceful when they are centered around a shared love for God.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Gloria a Dios en las alturas, y en la tierra paz a los hombres' in the context of Barron's discussion?

This phrase signifies a formula for joy, peace, and success. Barron suggests that when glory is given to God in the highest form, peace among people follows, highlighting the importance of a transcendent love for God in fostering peaceful relationships.

How does Barron apply the Aristotelian principle to the context of marriage within the Catholic Church?

Barron applies the principle by stating that a Catholic marriage should not only be based on the love between the couple but also on their shared love for God. This shared love for a transcendent good, in this case, God, is what makes the marriage a Christian one.

What is the main question Barron asks engaged couples preparing for marriage in the Catholic Church?

Barron asks the couples why they want to get married in the Catholic Church specifically, instead of opting for a civil ceremony, challenging them to consider the deeper meaning and purpose behind their choice.

What is Barron's response to couples who say they want to get married in the Catholic Church because they love each other?

Barron points out that while love is wonderful, it is not a sufficient reason for marrying in the Catholic Church. He suggests that a deeper connection and shared love for God are necessary for a truly Christian marriage.

What does Barron mean when he says that couples should discern that they are 'together in love with God' before getting married in the Catholic Church?

Barron means that couples should recognize and understand that their union is not just about their mutual love but also about their shared love for God and their commitment to fulfilling a common mission under God's purpose.

What is the title of the book by Fulton J. Sheen that Barron references, and what is its significance in the context of the discussion?

The book is titled 'Three to Get Married'. It is significant because it reinforces the idea that a successful Christian marriage involves not just the love between the couple but also the inclusion of God as the 'third party' in the relationship.

What advice does Barron give for maintaining happy relationships and friendships, based on the Aristotelian principle?

Barron advises that relationships and friendships should always consider the Aristotelian principle of a 'third transcendent'. He suggests seeking the will and purpose of God and finding someone who shares the same love for that purpose, which will lead to a happier path in relationships.