Friar Lawrence was trying to convince himself that Romeo and Juliet were truly in love. He believed that their love would bring peace to The Capulets and The Montagues, thus bringing peace to Verona. He thought that marrying the two may not be a moral act, in it of itself, it was for the greater good. In summation, the ends justified the means. Despite himself Friar Lawrence compromised his morality for the sake of others.
In 2.3.65-67 Friar Lawrence exclaims, “Holy Saint Francis, what a change is here! Is Rosaline, whom thou didst love so dear, So soon forsaken?” This is showing the ambivalence he has in marrying Romeo and Juliet. He is not sure whether or not he is doing the right thing. His comment about Romeo’s ex-lover, Rosaline, may have been to try and convince Romeo not to marry Juliet. He does not want to be directly responsible for the decision he makes.
I believe that Friar Lawrence made the right decision by marrying Romeo and Juliet. First off, it would help many people affected by the long running feud. Secondly, he does not have the right to judge people on whether or not they are in love. This is something that only the two lovers can know. Friar Lawrence made the morally correct decision to perform the marriage.
