Because of its permanence, which can become very difficult to maintain, the present generation, marked by three phenomena of narcissism, pragmatism and restlessness seems to be averse to the idea of marriage and settle for common-law relationships, which are transient and temporary, and inclined towards divorce.
Narcissism – Modern persons seem to be very self-centered. Their orientation is centered on the self and not on others. Hence, they see marriage as a source of self-satisfaction, fulfillment and pleasure. If the self is not satisfied in a relationship, they do not see a reason to continue in it. There is a tendency to define relationships as merely pleasurable.
Pragmatism – Modern persons are used to having things that work and also discarding things that no longer work. When a relationship does not “work” anymore, they lean towards discarding it—the easy way out—rather than making it work. There is a tendency to define relationships as merely disposable.
Restlessness – Modern persons are rarely content and obsessed with innovation. Even in relationships, they tend to despise permanence and stability in favor of variety and change. When a relationship does not excite anymore and starts to become boring, they tend to look for another, more exciting, even if fleeting relationships. There is a tendency to define relationships as merely a source of excitement.
Marriage for the Church however is not just a disposable source of pleasure and excitement but an enduring commitment even when it hurts and demands a lot of effort, sacrifice and fidelity. It is an imitation of the love of Christ, who loved us even unto death, death on the Cross.
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