It’s unfortunate, but not surprising that believers have had problems accepting Christ’s teachings on Marriage and the Eucharist.  Along with the obvious poor catechesis, here are 3 reasons that may shed a little light on this phenomenon:

1) These are the two teachings in the gospels that Christ’s disciples had problems accepting (Mt 19:10; Jn 6:41, 52, 60).  Little has changed.

2) Both are covenants, unions of deep intimacy, which demand total self-sacrifice and permanent commitment.  Our selfish nature recoils at this kind of love.

3) Both are hidden from the senses – the indissoluble marriage bond and Jesus’ real presence in the Eucharist – requiring faith and love to accept and live out these unbreakable intimate relationships.

Marriage and the Eucharist –  the two greatest gifts given to man this side of heaven. Both are challenging to our fallen human nature, but both fulfill our hearts’ deepest longings.