MARRIAGE
witnessing God’s love to one another
Marriage is a journey of faith, a witness to others of God’s love Conversation by Julie Stark
Director Office of Communications and South Texas Catholic
A
ccording to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in paragraphs 1601-1602, God established marriage as a covenant between a man and a woman, a partnership, “ordered toward the good of the spouses and the procreation and education of children. This covenant has
been raised by Christ the Lord to the dignity of a sacrament.” As disciples of Jesus Christ, we are all called to witness to the love of Christ – it is the same in a marriage. The New Evangelization, first called forth by St. Pope John Paul II, encourages all Catholics to share the Gospel, again. To deepen their faith and share it. Marriage and family have been marginalized over the last several decades, and we need more couples to be witnesses to the sacrament of marriage. Sharing the Gospel through married life gives witness to the sacraments and is a way to participate in the New Evangelization.
Julie: Can you each tell me a little about your upbringing? Jason: I was the oldest of four children. I have an all too familiar story as a cradle Catholic. I can recall going to CCD and Mass to receive first Communion. After that, I remember attending church on Christmas and Easter. Although going to church may not have been a priority at that time, I always knew I was loved by my parents, and my parents loved God. As an adult, my parents have led us all back to the faith, and I am grateful for their example. Hester: I was second to the oldest of eight children. When we were growing up, we were often asked if we were Catholic. At the time, I didn’t understand what that meant. My parents raised us with values associated with the New Age movement back in the 70s. Neither Church nor religion was a part of my upbringing. We were taught how to work hard, be independent and responsible and take care of one another. Holistic living was the foundational norm in our home. My 24
S O U T H T E X A S C AT H O L I C
|
FALL 2020
|
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
One local couple, Jason and Hester Rodriguez, tell the South Texas Catholic about their marriage journey of faith and how their marriage has grown and matured, especially as they grew to live out their marriage as a witness to others of the love of God.
Jason and Hester Rodriguez pray at St. Pius X Parish.
Aunt, Grandmother and Great Grandmother taught me the Lord’s prayer and would talk to me about the bible. They planted little seeds of faith in me, and I can remember from an early age praying to God. Julie: How did you meet? Jason: Hester and I were high school sweethearts. I was an upperclassman in high school, and Hester was an incoming sophomore. I was told she had a crush on me, but I really didn’t know her. We were both involved in band and played the trumpet. I met her before school started during summer practice. I was smitten instantly; she was spunky, and when she smiled, she lit up. I
M AY T H E Y A L L B E O N E
