Intencjonalność miłości małżeńskiej

Abstract

Many interesting issues appear in connection with the intensifying debate on marriage in contemporary literature. The discussion is focusing on such controversial issues as contraception and in vitro fertilization. However, the discussion too often strays away from the gist of the matter, which is the proper understanding of marital love and its right direction. Thus, there is a need to undertake this topic and stressthe meaning of love in shaping good marital relations. It is worth asking a question about the role of love in marriage as well as about its potential and direction. In doing so, it is worthwhile to mention the most important documents of the Church’s Magisterium related to marriage because they are still relevant. What should also be stressed is the significance of the debate on marriage, both during and after the Vatican Council, which is best demonstrated by the importance attached to the personal character of marriage and departure from the solely legal approach both in people’s consciousness and the Church’s teachings. The article concentrates on all those issues and pays special attention to the aspect of love between man and woman within sacramental commitment. If fulfilled and taken care of, love often brings happinessthat issought. Love is significant not only when people are getting married, but first and foremost in married years. A disinterested act of giving yourself to the other person brings the greatest fruit and indicates a truly human need, due to which communio personarum becomes an authentic expression of love between husband and wife.