'Amoris Laetitia' Is Vintage Pope Francis
The Apostolic Exhortation, Amoris Laetitia (“The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family”) is vintage Pope Francis. A self-described “son of the Church,” Pope Francis clearly possesses a very keen intellect and pastoral heart. Whereas the pontificate of Pope Benedict XVI proved to be one of incredible catechesis, the pontificate of Pope Francis is proving to be one of incredible evangelization. As catechist and evangelizer, they are a mutual complement. What a blessing to the Church!
In his most recent Apostolic Exhortation, “The Joy of Love,” Pope Francis has provided us with a beautiful document of sound scriptural, theological and pastoral basis that both affirms and challenges us all in carrying out the mission of the Gospel as entrusted to the Church by Jesus Christ. While covering an array of topics related to the dignity of human life, marriage and family, the common thread woven throughout the document is the abiding presence and mercy of God permeating every fabric of life, relationship and community. Mercy, Pope Francis reiterates, is at the heart of the Gospel. Throughout the document, the Holy Father points out how Jesus Christ provides the Church, both clergy and laity, with the standard of holding up long-standing ideals with bold fidelity while seeking the proper pastoral application of such ideals on a case-by-case basis. Each person, marriage and family is unique.
This post-synodal document draws heavily from the two recent Synods on the Family (e.g. 2014 & 2015), Sacred Scripture, the documents of the Second Vatican Council, previous popes (e.g. Blessed Paul VI, St. John Paul II and Benedict XVI), and various conferences of bishops. Yet, it exudes the unique freshness of the mind and heart of Pope Francis. Once again, without deviating from official Church doctrine, the Holy Father makes clear that tone is as important as content when teaching and applying the tenets of the faith. Once again, he stresses that each opportunity for such teaching and application must begin rather than end with the person. While some may fear that Church teaching and maintaining of ideals may be somehow compromised, this need not be the case. Of course, anyone or anything can be taken out of context and manipulated. Yet, as Pope Francis has encouraged, we must not be afraid to be compassionate while courageously remaining steadfast in faith.
In the 325 paragraphs that comprise the nine chapters of “The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family,” Pope Francis treats a variety of topics. Heavily trenched in sacred scripture, especially with regards to the teaching and example of Jesus Christ, the document addresses the essential elements and properties of marriage (e.g. the goods of indissolubility/sacramentality, fidelity, children and spouses) and the notion of true partnership as well as the complementarity of male and female as both spouses and parents. He stresses the inherent dignity of persons—particularly with regard to children, women and spouses—as gifts rather than objects or possessions. He expounds on the beauty of sexuality quite extensively. The Holy Father writes very frankly and in down-to-earth language. He is especially respectful of informed conscience, culture and the principle of subsidiarity.
As the Holy Father mentions, it is more than a coincidence that this document is presented within the context of the Jubilee of Mercy. In fact, he makes quite clear that it is mercy that must motivate outreach to those we serve, especially those in less than ideal situations. This includes persons of same-sex attraction, the disabled, the divorced, and those in “irregular” situations (e.g. civil unions not recognized by the Church). Life and relationships are often complex and messy. Yet, there is no person, family or situation beyond the scope of God’s transforming grace and mercy.
Outlining a series of challenges and complexities that impact marriages and families, Pope Francis stipulates that we must be ready to respond to those in various situations of weakness or imperfection with humility and compassion rather than harsh judgment and theological rigidity. Pastoral dialogue and application are essential. Recalling the “law of gradualness” as proposed by St. John Paul II, Pope Francis notes, “No one can be condemned for ever, because that is not the logic of the Gospel! Here I am not speaking only of the divorced and remarried, but of everyone, in whatever situation they find themselves.” [cf. #297] Consequently, the Holy Father stresses the need for Church ministers to provide pastoral guidance, discernment and integration to accompany all those in need of feeling welcomed, loved and valued.
The standard of the Church and its members, both clergy and laity, must be that of Jesus Christ who lay down his life for all and prayed from the cross that all be forgiven. Pope Francis writes, “I sincerely believe that Jesus wants a Church attentive to the goodness which the Holy Spirit sows in the midst of human weakness.” [#308] With this in mind, the Holy Father warns, “We put so many conditions on mercy that we empty it of its concrete meaning and real significance. That is the worst way of watering down the Gospel.” [#311]
In his apostolic exhortation, Pope Francis has not unleashed some kind of “free for all” or “anything goes” mentality. In essence, he is advocating for an expansion of pastors (e.g. bishops and priests) extending pastoral outreach to individuals, couples and families. This outreach must include an increased appreciation for education, marriage preparation, support for married couples, concern for the separated and divorced, respect for women as equal in dignity to men, and the attention to the unmarried (e.g. single, widowed, etc.). Of particular concern is the dignity and care of children, especially those who are the most innocent victims of the challenges and complexities in marriage and family life. The Holy Father points out, “The main contribution to the pastoral care of families is offered by the parish, which is the family of families, where small communities, ecclesial movements and associations live in harmony.” [#202]
I encourage everyone to make the effort of reading “The Joy of Love: On Love in the Family.” There is much to digest, requiring much reflection and more than a single reading, but the document has much to offer us by way of spiritual, scriptural, theological and pastoral reflection. It is well worth the time and effort.
