John Morales and guest Theresa Civantos Barber explored a bold and beautiful message from Pope Leo XIV for married couples, one that feels like a challenge, but perhaps one that could save the world. The Pope reminded couples that marriage isn’t just an ideal to strive toward, but a living, breathing witness that love is real, lasting, and entirely worth it. In his words, “Marriage is not an ideal, but the measure of true love… a love that is total, faithful, and fruitful.”
Theresa explained what that looks like in practice. Yes, the world is full of broken relationships and failed promises, but Jesus calls us into unity. And within that call, marriage becomes a radical sign of hope, a light in the storm that reminds the world of God’s fidelity. She pointed to the examples of real-life saints, like Louis and Zélie Martin, the parents of St. Thérèse. Zélie once confessed, “If this keeps up, I shall be dead by lunchtime!” reminding us that even the saints had their moments. Or the Ulma Family, Polish martyrs who showed that a family could truly be holy together, even unto death. The takeaway? The saints weren’t perfect. They were faithful. They got tired, lost patience, and likely forgot to thaw the meat for dinner too. But they kept showing up. They kept returning to Christ.
John brought up a powerful idea from Archbishop Fulton Sheen: Marriage takes three—husband, wife, and Jesus. Without Christ at the center, marriage becomes a tug-of-war between two people trying to enforce their wills. But with Him, it becomes a holy dance. It’s the cross lived in the ordinary: a path of dying to self and loving more deeply than we thought possible.
Practical encouragement came in simple, real-world gestures—making small sacrifices, offering a kind word, apologizing first, praying together. These little choices build a foundation of lasting love. Reading about the saints, too, isn’t just inspiring—it’s grounding. Their stories prove that holiness is possible, even in the chaos of family life.
As St. Thérèse said, “Don’t wait until tomorrow to become a saint.” Whether you’re single, dating, married, or knee-deep in family life, Pope Leo’s message is clear: Let your life be a living yes to love, a sign of hope in a weary world.