medieval-religion: Scholarly discussions of medieval religion and culture
Cf. Thomas, Summa theologiae III 29. 2: „Marriage or wedlock is said to
be true by reason of its attaining its perfection. Now perfection of
anything is twofold; first, and second. The first perfection of a thing
consists in its very form, from which it receives its species; while
the second perfection of a thing consists in its operation, by which in
some way a thing attains its end. Now the form of matrimony consists in
a certain inseparable union of souls, by which husband and wife are
pledged by a bond of mutual affection that cannot be sundered. And the
end of matrimony is the begetting and upbringing of children: the first
of which is attained by conjugal intercourse; the second by the other
duties of husband and wife, by which they help one another in rearing
their offspring. Thus we may say, as to the first perfection, that the
marriage of the Virgin Mother of God and Joseph was absolutely true:
because both consented to the nuptial bond, but not expressly to the
bond of the flesh, save on the condition that it was pleasing to God.
For this reason the angel calls Mary the wife of Joseph, saying to him
(Mt. 1:20): "Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife": on which words
Augustine says (De Nup. et Concup. i): "She is called his wife from the
first promise of her espousals, whom he had not known nor ever was to
know by carnal intercourse." But as to the second perfection which is
attained by the marriage act, if this be referred to carnal
intercourse, by which children are begotten; thus this marriage was not
consummated. Wherefore Ambrose says on Lk. 1:26,27: "Be not surprised
that Scripture calls Mary a wife. The fact of her marriage is declared,
not to insinuate the loss of virginity, but to witness to the reality
of the union." Nevertheless, this marriage had the second perfection,
as to upbringing of the child. Thus Augustine says (De Nup. et Concup.
i): "All the nuptial blessings are fulfilled in the marriage of
Christ's parents, offspring, faith and sacrament. The offspring we know
to have been the Lord Jesus; faith, for there was no adultery:
sacrament, since there was no divorce. Carnal intercourse alone there
was none."
yours
b.k.
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