On June 26, the Vatican released its Working Document (Instrumentum Laboris) for the upcoming October Synod on the Family, a monumental text of over 25,000 words. This document epitomizes the Conciliar text, devoid of pre-Vatican II magisterial documentation and heavily reliant on post-Conciliar references, with a significant lack of substantial mention of Scholastic tradition.
The Three Radical Proposals
1) A New Pastoral Solution
The document suggests a new "pastoral solution" to allow divorced and remarried Catholics to partake in Holy Communion—a practice at odds with longstanding Church doctrine.
2) Baptism in Same-Sex Unions
Among the revolutionary proposals, the Working Document also mentions a "pastoral approach" to permit the baptism of children from same-sex couples, indirectly legitimizing these unions and stirring deep concerns among the faithful.
3) Recasting of Natural Law
The document proposes a recasting of natural law with "new language," which creates a precarious situation that threatens the core ethical foundation of true morality grounded in the Church's teachings.
Concerns over Excessive Detail Oriented Approaches
The particulars of the text may overwhelm, with exhaustive lists of issues affecting the institution of marriage and family life. However, this focus on specifics misses the mark—as the Church traditionally finds solutions in timeless, objective truths.
Contemplating the Orthodox Practice
There's a disconcerting inclination within the Synod Working Document to potentially adopt Orthodox practice concerning divorced and remarried individuals—a move that challenges the Catholic teaching of the indissolubility of marriage, further complicating the Church's position on this matter.
Feedback on the Working Document: A Cacophony of Views
The responses stemming from the initial Vatican questionnaire showcase a dire lack of unified vision and understanding regarding the Church's moral teachings, leading to the disordered reflection seen in the Working Document.
Emphasizing the "Non-Judgmental" Approach
The constant call within the Synod Working Document for a "non-judgmental" stance, particularly regarding homosexual unions, seems at odds with the Church's historical stance on such issues and may further muddy the waters in terms of baptism of children within these unions.
The Implications of Baptism for Children of Same-Sex Unions
While the document cautiously approaches the topic, it is evident that it leans towards allowing the baptism of children in same-sex unions, which could inadvertently cause a redefinition of what constitutes a Catholic family and upbringing.
On Natural Law and the Advent of "New Language"
The Synod's call for a new articulation of Natural Law aims at modern comprehension, yet ironically, it risks diluting the very principles that have guided the Church through its most challenging ethical, philosophical, and theological terrains.
Travels of Faith and the Synod's Impact
As we consider the potential changes proposed by the Synod on the Family, it is critical to think about the impact of these amendments on the global journey of the Catholic faith. Much like physical travel, which encourages us to be open to new experiences while also appreciating the time-tested paths, our spiritual journey must find balance in embracing necessary reforms without losing sight of the Church's steadfast teachings that have guided souls for centuries. As the Synod convenes in October, Catholics around the world watch and hope for outcomes that will steer the Church's course in a unifying direction, preserving the core of our moral compass for future generations.
Deerfield Beach
Tulum
New York
Cancun
Las Vegas
Syracuse
Oshkosh
Fort Lauderdale
- W Hotel Fort Lauderdale
- Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort
- Five Star Hotels In Fort Lauderdale
- Boutique Hotels In Fort Lauderdale