AMORIS LAETITIA - An example.

   A particularly troubling example of misquotation of previous teaching is found in paragraph 298 which quotes the statement of Pope John Paul II, made in Familiaris Consortio, that there exist situations “where, for serious reasons, such as the children’s upbringing, a man and woman cannot satisfy the obligation to separate.” However in Amoris Laetitia the second half of Pope John Paul II’s sentence, which states that such couples “take on themselves the duty to live in complete continence, that is, by abstinence from the acts proper to married couples” (Familiaris Consortio, No. 84),  is omitted.

Furthermore, in the footnote to this misleading quotation, we read:

In such situations, many people, knowing and accepting the possibility of living ‘as brothers and sisters’ which the Church offers them, point out that if certain expressions of intimacy are lacking, ‘it often happens that faithfulness is endangered and the good of the children suffers’ (Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World Gaudium et Spes, 51).

The document makes reference to this erroneous view but does not explain why it is a false approach, which is namely that: 

1. All sexual acts outside of a valid marriage are intrinsically evil and it is never justifiable to commit an intrinsically evil act, even in order to achieve a good end.
2. “Faithfulness is endangered” by acts of sexual intimacy outside of marriage but faithfulness is lived when two individuals in an invalid union refrain from sexual intimacy in fidelity to their original union, which remains valid.
3. The quotation implies that children will suffer because their parents, with the help of divine grace, live chastely. On the contrary, such parents are giving their children an example of fidelity, chastity and trust in the power of God’s grace.

The document cites Gaudium et Spes but the passage is quoted out of context and does not support the argument made. The context makes clear that Gaudium et Spes is speaking of married Catholics, in the context of procreation, not those cohabiting in an invalid union. The full sentence is as follows:

But where the intimacy of married life is broken off, its faithfulness can sometimes be imperilled and its quality of fruitfulness ruined, for then the upbringing of the children and the courage to accept new ones are both endangered (Gaudium et 

Now this is the4 kind of response I like.  It takes part of what the Pope said and analysis it.  However I am afraid I do not reach the conclusion that the author reaches.   There seems too be too much of a "Well, this is all you have to do" attitude about it.   It uses the words intrinsically evil when describing sin, and ignores the fact that God decides the measure and culpability of sin.   IN todays world a young girl can marry someone outside the Church with relative ease.  She may or may not have children to him but things go wrong and too easily sometimes there is a divorce.   And all too easily in the present time she can be alone with two or three children to raise.   Another man comes along and becomes a father to her children and the love he has is reciprocated by the children.   Suddenly the young woman wants God into her life.  She goes to the local Catholic Church and can receive one of two welcomes.  "Look never mind what Jesus said about divorce just use your conscience and go to Communion"  On the other hand she may have a faithful priest who will tell her "You are very welcome but in your situation you cannot receive Holy Communion since in the end we must follow Jesus"   Let us ignore the all too prevalent first welcome.    In the second the girl will  have questions such as "Explain this to me?"   The priest may go into the Bible and afterwards explain the scandal that is caused by receiving Holy Communion and unless she stops sexual relationships with her partner she will still be in a state of sin.  The girl may explain that her partner would never agree to such an arrangement.  "But what can I do, I want to get close to God again"  This is when the journey explained by Pope Francis begins.   The priest will ensure she plays a strong part in parish life and earn all the graces God can give her, although she cannot at the moment earn sacramental grace.   She is in a difficult position with her partner and the priest will journey her through this.  Almost as a bonus the door is open for the children to enter the Church.   For their sake and the love they have for their Father it would injure the children indeed if she separated from her partner.  Indeed the effect divorce has on children can be devastating and remember they are functioning like any other family with plenty of love and support.  And yes things do change inside a marriage and there will come a tine when perhaps too old  she can live in chastity with her partner and return to Holy Communion.  And she can thank the priest who journeyed with her.

The writer I criticise has failed to see that God stands above his laws and He can help individuals in very difficult situations without condemnation.   Intrinsically evil is harsh word to use when someone is trying to find God.  God will reward her.

One last thing.  Is the young lady I mentioned just a story I made up.  No there are thousands like her and they need our prayers and our help.