42
One of God’s Masterpieces
The sacrament of marriage, as one of “God’s masterpieces,” 180 calls the couple to
respond to the Holy Spirit in a “genuine cooperation,” not only in the duties of marriage and
responsible parenthood, but also in the overarching plan of God for humanity. 181 In fact,
Familiaris Consortio asserts that in a particular way, sacramental marriage is “the real
representation, by means of the sacramental sign, of the very relationship of Christ with the
Church.” 182 This relationship is the definitive revelation of God’s plan for man and woman,
where the mystery of creation and the mystery of redemption find fulfilment in the Incarnation
and complete expression through the spousal mystery between Christ and his Bride. In a
profound sense, therefore, the mystery of creation—exemplified in the person of Mary—and the
180
CCC, 1091.
O’Boyle, “Sex in Marriage.”
182
FC, 13.
181