I have a lot on marriage to congeal, write and practice presenting before August. I also have the entire gamut of Theology of the Body talks given by JP2 to read :). That is 129 homilies to read for those who aren't familiar with TOB. I will try to post short essays here on topics I plan to cover.

First one has to do with Matt 18:3, Psalm 127 -- grace, gift and the Sacrament of Marriage and its primary purpose.

My talk is going to be listed as follows (the italicized part was removed for space on the page, the bold --roughly-- is what remains) ...

What does the Church want from my marriage?

Marriage is often times depicted in negative terms that leave you feeling a little constrained about what marriage is. Many a young couple finds themselves disillusioned by the secular denigrations(ed) of their state as bondage -- a deterrent to the pursuits of wealth and happiness. Pope Benedict XVI says "We've heard so much about what is not allowed that now it's time to say: we have a positive idea to offer, that man and woman are made for each other, that the scale of sexuality, eros, agape, indicates the level of love and it's in this way that marriage develops, first of all, as a joyful and blessing-filled encounter between a man and a woman, and then the family, that guarantees continuity among generations and through which generations are reconciled to each other and even cultures can meet." -- As a popular 20th century apologist once remarked "marriage is, undoubtedly, the ordinary means of salvation for the ordinary run of men." Come find out why this avenue of grace changes not only the lives of spouses and children but of entire cultures for generations to come.

Anyway, you have to realize that this talk, as a lot of God things happen, is writing itself around me. Pray that God gives me the grace to continue listening to Him on what it should be.