Replies

Pope Benedict XVI delivers his speech during the first day of a three-week meeting of the world's bishops at the Vatican Monday, Oct.3, 2005. More than 250 bishops, cardinals, heads of religious orders and others from about 118 countries will take part in the Synod of Bishops.

"the problem (divorce and remarriage) is very difficult and must be studied more deeply"

I seems that divorce is a relatively new problem given the history of Grace-filled marriages. I still recall older couples and family members that would "stick it out" in spite of all difficulties.

It's scary to ask Jesus, "Lord, what would You do?" because many of us probably wouldn't like the answer. And in not liking the the tremendous challenge for those divorced and remarried couples, would there be any of us that can meet Jesus' command?

Perhaps Jesus would reply with a question to answer our nervousness:

"How did my step dad treat my Mom? How did my Mom get along after I died and Resurrected?"

Maybe the example of St Joseph and St John (Blessed Virgin's adopted son) is the answer to our pain. If we give up, rather than give into our carnal desires, then we make up for our painful (and possibly sinful) past through a celibate marriage to honor God's Grace given to us through the Sacrament of Marriage.

I'm no expert, but this is one of the things I wonder about considering I'm almost a single middle-aged man and many of my peers are on their second marriage with children from the first. I don't condemn them at all since I've listened to their painful stories. We'll have to place our faith in Jesus' healing for this one.

Pet peeve: I hate the way Magister uses the words "Ratzinger" and "Benedict XVI" interchangeably. He's the Pope now. Calling him "Ratzinger" is no more appropriate than calling the previous Pope "Wojtyla".

It's a sign of disrespect (usually) utilized by sedevacantists and virulent anti-Catholics.