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Document Details : Title: Le chemin du couple électif Subtitle: Une chance de résilience qui appelle à la conversion Author(s): BARTH, Sylvie Journal: Marriage, Families & Spirituality Volume: 24 Issue: 2 Date: 2018 Pages: 233-247 DOI: 10.2143/INT.24.2.3285674 Abstract : Our contemporaries continue to dream of starting a family with their one true love in a relationship that will last forever, but only on the basis of mutual love. This new aspiration has its difficulties. Yet, 'the path of elective love' with the 'co-elective spirituality' associated with it sparks interest, and it is the subject of the article. In fact, when the experience of an 'elective couple' is taken seriously, it encourages the two protagonists to grow, which benefits everyone. The 'co-elective community', when achieved, thus becomes a privileged place of growth, even rebirth, which heals and, in other words, shows resilience to be anti-destiny; the human sciences confirm this. The Christian vision of marriage is enriched by it; conjugal union and fecundity are deepened and invigorated in a personalist perspective that is less self-centered than is usually thought. Nevertheless, the experience of deep intimacy, by bringing up old feelings, can really put the partners to the test. Their journey can take on forms that are not traditional, which require a nuanced reading and adequate accompaniment. The reference to the biblical dynamics of covenant can contribute to this. To rethink the elective adventure that is being invented before our eyes and to help it succeed, without leaving it to its own strengths (and weaknesses), is a task as urgent as it is useful. It leads those who attempt a 'sustainable development of love' within couples and families today, in society and in the Church, to be enlightened by each other and to unite their efforts. To give the Joy of Love, incarnated in women and men of 'good will', every chance to succeed: is this not an approach that smacks of a gospel attitude in the church of Pope Francis? |
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