Word to the Wise
Friday, May 25, 2018 - Friday in the 7th Week in Ordinary Time
[Jas 5:9-12 and Mark 10:1-12]"But from the beginning of creation, God 'made them male and female. For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.' Therefore what God has joined together, no human being must separate." [Mark]
The teaching of Jesus is clear. No matter what civil society may permit, marriage is a sacred reality, intended by God "from the beginning" between a male and female that is lasting and fruitful. The difference in the passage today is between what Moses "allowed" and God "commands." All discussion about "marriage" in our society rests on the fundamental starting point of faith. If "marriage" is merely a civil convenience with civil consequences, then it is senseless to discuss it in a faith context. Civil law could allow "marriage" between any two persons or animals or objects. But if our starting point is the teaching of Jesus about "marriage," then we can begin to address the enormous pastoral reality of failed marriages and Christian (especially Catholic) identity.
Pope Francis' post-synodal document, Amoris Laetitia, (The Joy of Love), has raised a firestorm in certain circles. This firestorm is focused on a single chapter (to the exclusion of all the other great things he said), Chapter Eight which deals with pastoral "accompaniment" of couples in "irregular unions". More particularly the firestorm focuses on whether of not such couples may receive communion at the celebration of the Eucharist.
The subject is fraught with difficulties. Certain cardinals of the church have publicly challenged Pope Francis on the subject! They may be a tiny minority but they raise important questions about how the Body of Christ should respond to the objective and public nature of divorce and remarriage in the light of Jesus' teaching. Pope Francis calls our attention to what Jesus does throughout his ministry. He welcomes the sinner and does not slam the door in the faces of those who have failed. I urge all the Beloved Congregation to read Amoris Laetitia, (and not just chapter eight). There is much more at stake than simply who can or cannot receive communion. Something sacred is being torn up by secular desires. Marriage preparation, family life, the depths of human love - all come into play. It is incumbent on us all to be informed about it. AMEN