June 14. Once  again Mary and her son Patrick considered the Church’s laws, this time on divorce and remarriage but they spoke of adultery too.  She said, “I know this is a painful subject for both of us but I believe you are old enough to be able to understand. I divorced your father because of his adultery, not once but many times.   I felt very betrayed but chose never to remarry.   Many others do, some that were innocent and others not.  Should we be excluded from the sacraments forever?   That was the type of discussion the Church has been grappling with.  

Reflect, share, scripture:  Mat 5:27-32.   I say to you that whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.  Pope Francis:  I understand those who prefer a more rigorous pastoral care which leaves no room for confusion.  But I sincerely believe that Jesus wants a Church attentive to the goodness which the Holy Spirit sows in the midst of human weakness, a Mother who while clearly expressing her objective teaching always does what good she can even if her shoes get soiled by the mud of the street. AL 308  ACTION AND PRAYER.     When families and communities can discuss and pray over issues of divorce and their impact on spouses and children it can be a healing experience.