June 10. Mary and Patrick continued their discussions, this time on Church’s laws about divorce and remarriage, but they spoke of adultery too.  She shared, “I know this is a painful subject for both of us, but I believe you are old enough 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 those who divorce and remarry be excluded from the sacraments forever? That was the type of discussion the bishops had at the Synods in 2014/5 that we talked about.  Pope Francis tends to take a more pastoral and merciful approach, while others are stricter in obeying the rule.”  

Reflect, share and act. Scripture.  “I say to you that whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” Matt 5:27-32. 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 in the mud of the street.  AL308