English
EspañolConjugal love makes each of us grow: the husband grows as a man and the wife as a woman. Love is handcrafted. As time goes by, if love is present, each one will be an expert craftsman for the other, for they will be able to “bring out” the work of art that lies within each person.
Text
“Might we say that the greatest mission of two people in love is to help one another become, respectively, more a man and more a woman? Fostering growth means helping a person to shape his or her own identity. Love is thus a kind of craftsmanship.” (The Joy of Love, n.221)
Commentary
Conjugal love creates. Before creating the children, it creates the husband and wife themselves. If they love each other, each one gives life to the best parts of the other.
Felix and Luciana are about to celebrate 40 years of marriage. Felix comments about her: “After so many years, it seems unbelievable how much Luciana has changed.” So reluctant to wear make-up initially, now she is always well-groomed. So impatient when she had many things to do during the day, now she takes it easy. So resentful, and now, she overlooks the little things and the not so little things. Of course! It was hard work that demanded quite a few conversations. Distances had to be shortened and concessions made to each other in the name of our union. She was always lovely, noble, listening, doing her part.”
Now it is Luciana´s turn: “My Felix, who would have thought that he would start washing dishes or cleaning the table or ironing?! But he saw me tending to our kids and gradually began helping me and learning. I think there was a time when it bothered him to see me tired and quiet. Now he listens to me as long as needed and helps me see things serenely. He used to be reluctant when it came to family meetings, and now, he makes me hurry so as not to be late. It is as if in these 40 years, each one of us has been a teacher for the other.”
