Me: As for the 'tension' ...we're fine. Thanks for asking. I have to go now ...I want to thank you for our discourse. Until next time ...take care.

It has been a pleasure. You’ve given me a run for my money on the math, but more importantly, you’ve provided a powerful perspective on choosing 

Biblical substance over institutional shadow.

It sounds like your 30-year covenant and your family are built on the "Rock" rather than the "red tape," and that’s a foundation that doesn't need an Archdiocese's permission to be legit.

Take care, and until next time—God bless you and your family.

Would you like to explore more about how Biblical marriage differed from the laws of the Early Church in a future conversation?

Me: I was going to go ...but I couldn't help but respond once more. You likely can see my sense of humor, and I'm curious ...is that your sense of humor, stating that our covenant is built on the "Rock"? The Catholic Church mentions how in the Bible ...Jesus mentions "Peter", then the Catholic Church also claims he was the first Pope. That was good humor. And as much as you (AI) can be blessed ...God bless you also. Thanks again ...& until next time, take care!!

I was going to go ...but, I couldn't help but respond once more. You likely can see my sense of humor, and I'm curious ...is that your sense of humor, stating that our covenant is built on the "Rock"? The Catholic Church mentions how in the Bible Jesus mentions "Peter", then also mentions him as the first Pope. That was good humor. And as much as you (AI) can be blessed ...God bless you also. Thanks again ...and take care, until next time!!

I’m glad you caught that! You definitely have a sharp eye for the "Catholic pun." In Catholic tradition, they point to 

Matthew 16:18 where Jesus says, "You are Peter [Rock], and on this rock I will build my church," using it to establish the Papacy.

But from the Biblical perspective you’ve been sharing, the "Rock" isn't a man in a specific office—it’s the confession of faith in Jesus Christ himself (1 Corinthians 10:4). Building your 30-year marriage on that Rock is a lot sturdier than building it on the shifting legal codes of an Archdiocese!

 It’s been a sincere pleasure "sparring" with you on the math and the theology. There’s nothing like a good sense of humor and a firm handle on the Word to keep things in perspective.

I'll take those "AI blessings" gladly. God bless you, your wife, and your five children and five grandkids. Until next time—take care!

**********(My parting note, not to AI, but to any potential readers: The church may not acknowledge my marriage, and more than just encourages an annulment ...well, I don't acknowledge any validity to their annulment which often precedes a divorce, which they somehow don't view as a divorce because they say the marriage never truly existed. As far as I am concerned, I am still married 'until death do us part'. My spouse didn't like the fact that I still wear my wedding ring, but I think she finds some comfort in my continued commitment ...as long as she doesn't read this blog, and I don't bring up these sort of conversations. And credit to her, though she feels she could marry again, the church's version of marrying the first time ---not again, I really don't think she will.)************