Here is a translation of Cardinal Mueller's introduction to the Exhortation at the Vatican press conference: http://www.zenit.org/articles/cardinal-schonborns-intervention-at-presentation-of-amoris-laetitia/
Here are some nicely chosen extracts from the document from the 'Vatican Insider' website: Remarried Divorcees: Integration and evaluation on a case by case basis http://www.lastampa.it/2016/04/08/v...case-basis-iWmmaggjRWvYZcEGS7mZTJ/pagina.html “We have been called to form consciences, not to replace them” http://www.lastampa.it/2016/04/08/v...place-them-CWgpBbVvON7xQ1bW404diL/pagina.html “Amoris Laetitia”, a new “constitution” for the family http://www.lastampa.it/2016/04/08/v...the-family-oLl56cNMt2oSgVUpfnxc1M/pagina.html
I ponder this when reading this document. How many saints left their children to answer a higher calling and perfect themselves starting with the apostles themselves? I do not think living in sin for the sake of the children is ok imho. Why is it bad to hold everyone to a higher standard and be merciful when they fall? And of course pray.
I would advise that we should take this away read it and reread it and reread it once again and pray, pray , pray , pray over it for a couple of weeks before commenting. I can't believe the many people commenting on the Catholic blogosphere have even read it, never mind prayerfully digested it. So how can they either praise or condemn it? A week or two or prayer and reading.
So we're approaching the era of a United Nations of Catholics, where each diocese can have different rules so long as the bishop gives the occasional nod to the magisterium. Divorced and remarried and feel entitled to receive Communion? In a homosexual union and believe that Elton John has a closer personal relationship with Jesus than St. Paul had? Find a diocese or even a parish where the priest agrees with you and you're good to go. If you're living in Belgium, Germany or Austria you won't have to look too hard. Believe that Jesus meant what he said about marriage and your child's catechism teacher is saying it's down to a person's individual conscience and sin is old hat? Tough luck because that's against mercy and inclusiveness. With the help of God and the Holy Spirit, the next Pope will put things right before irreparable damage is done.
It is here at long last. I haven't read it myself yet so will not be commenting for some time. I did however have a quick glance over on rorate and it would appear that the initial review there is positive.
Full text in English: http://w2.vatican.va/content/france..._esortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia.html http://w2.vatican.va/content/dam/fr...sortazione-ap_20160319_amoris-laetitia_en.pdf
Have gotten through the first 2 chapters and find the work very beautiful. The Pope seems to cover every misery in this world of ours today. So good to have a father who realizes the very many serious burdens placed upon just about everyone (influenced by the diabolical disorientation everywhere)....esp. those of good will. He wants so to lead everyone to realize to at least some extent the Mercy offered currently but that we ourselves should be open to, demonstrate and witness to this Mercy (if we expect it ourselves) to others. He seems like the father of the prodigal, waiting and hoping and looking for the return....waiting with every intention to offer blessings. I think the very urgency....before the time of justice begins.....is what motivates him to still go out to the fringes with a big net. He's the one leading us in this period before this allotted time is over I believe. From the beginning the Divine Will of the Father was and still is that all men be save. In such a rather hopeless world He didn't have to send His Son but for the fact that He Is Mercy.
Disappointed at my negativity? Read my post on the Immediate Future of the Catholic Church of 26th March - the Church is in the greatest crisis in its history. It has ceased to be salt and light to the world. It is ignored by the vast majority of Catholics who do not know or care what the Church teaches. This encyclical will not lead to any changes at all. Most Catholics couldn't care less what is in it. And only a few will read it.
Padraig - in my humble opinion the exhortation is irrelevant. Most Catholics ignore Church teaching anyway. This exhortation is not going to lead to renewal. The Catholic Church is running on fumes. It is close to internal collapse. It is on life support. I can only say what I see. All is not well from the top to the bottom. Where is the Church militant? Dead on its feet!! No wonder in many countries Catholics flock to the protestant sects. At least they have some life in their bones.
From what I'm seeing and reading, the Catholics who care most about it are those who want the Church to change its discipline regarding reception of the Eucharist. I watched Fr. Edward Beck on CNN (he's their religious affairs director or advisor or some such title which probably means that they pay him). According to Fr. Beck the "Central Government" of the Church says that no matter where you live in the world and not matter what are the cultural norms, homosexuals and remarried divorcees are not excommunicated and can demand inclusion on the say-so of the Pope. He didn't specify what he meant by inclusion but he used it in the same context as receiving Communion. Fr. Beck was telling CNN what they wanted to hear. He didn't mention that homosexuals have never been excommunicated or excluded, so the only meaning anyone could take from his statement is that practising homosexuals and remarried divorcees can demand Communion. Life is going to be very, very hard for Priests and Bishops who don't get with "moderrn" Catholicism.
I am reminded of Christ's words of caution to the Church of Sardis (in the Book of Revelation) To the Church in Sardis [Revelation 3v1-6] “And to the Angel of the Church of Sardis write: Thus says he who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars: I know your works, that you have a name which is alive, but you are dead. Be vigilant, and confirm the things that remain, lest they soon die out. For I do not find your works to be full in the sight of my God. Therefore, keep in mind the way that you have received and heard, and then observe it and repent. But if you will not be vigilant, I will come to you like a thief, and you will not know at what hour I will come to you. But you have a few names in Sardis who have not defiled their garments. And these shall walk with me in white, because they are worthy. Whoever prevails, so shall he be clothed in white vestments. And I will not delete his name from the Book of Life. And I will confess his name in the presence of my Father and in the presence of his Angels. Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the Churches.
It was under journalistic embargo, rigidly enforced. Bishops, journalists and many bloggers had a copy days in advance so they could comment today.
Our Lady has already promised us in Fatima ,Bobby , 'In the End my Immaculate Heart will Triumph'..the Triumph of the Immaculate Heart will be the Triumph of the Holy Catholic Church'..we also have the promise of her Son Our Lord Jesus Christ that , 'The Gates of Hell will not prevail against it'. So with these promises we know we win. These are promises we can rely on. We are the Victors because Christ is the Victor. I would be cautious of being drawn to much to the negative , the dark, especially at this Easter time. I am very upbeat and hopeful. It is Christ's CHurch, He will take care of it.
I myself would take more time. I don't think a couple of days is enough for something so important. I think weeks , rather than days. The Church is 2,000 years old, I am not sure what the great rush is. Certainly the Church does not rush things herself. She takes her time like the sedate old lady she is.
