Answering the Dubia: Sense and Sensibility in Amoris Laetitia
application of principles tends to cruelty. Mercy, on the other hand,
listens for the voice of Jesus in the particular circumstances it faces.
Mercy is so central to the Gospel that Saint Paul doubted that law
retained any relevance at all (Rom 10:4; Gal 2:16). Francis understands
that in certain circumstances people can paint themselves into a
corner. The response that “sin has unfortunate consequences” pays
too little attention to the power of mercy.
Francis proposes that in appropriate cases, partners in a second
marriage may enter a period of discernment, accompanied by an
experienced priest, so they can reflect on relevant issues. After a
suitable period of time, they may celebrate a sacramental confession
in which they accept an appropriate penance and receive absolution.
Communion may follow that discernment and penance (AL, 305).
Discussion around Amoris Laetitia has grown tense, particularly when
people suggest it can cause a schism in the Church. Issues don’t cause
schisms. People do.
Such a case may involve, for example, a man who selfishly leaves his
wife early in a valid marriage. He obtains a civil divorce and marries
another. Years go by. Eventually, after the second marriage produces
four children, the man comes to his senses about the first marriage.
He admits his earlier selfish ways and seeks pardon and forgiveness.
What does conversion require of him? Is he supposed to leave his
second wife and their children to return to his first wife? That would
constitute a sinful refusal of his duties to the four children. What if his
first wife will not have him back? What if she has remarried? Is there no
way for the repentant husband to stay in the second “marriage” and
still receive Communion?
As indicated in the first of the dubia, the traditional response to this
unfortunate circumstance requires him and his second wife to live
in a “brother-sister” relationship — denying to each other normal
conjugal relationships. Some circumstances may indeed call for such
an arrangement. Some may not. Can nothing be done?
Each of the dubia submitted by the cardinals revolves around the
notion that these second marriages always constitute adultery, and
287