The Dicastery of the Doctrine of the Faith has published a declaration Fiducia Supplicans, clarifying reflections the Pope had made earlier this year regarding the possibility of blessing same-sex unions.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has left it very clear that “The Church’s teaching on marriage has not changed.”
There are five things to keep in mind.
1. Context of the Dubia
This document is written as an opportunity to take up once again the response to the dubia presented by two cardinals last summer. Cardinal Fernández is clear about this in his introduction to the document. “It is precisely in this context that one can understand the possibility of blessing couples in irregular situations and same-sex couples without officially validating their status or changing in any way the Church’s perennial teaching on marriage.” (Fernández, Introduction to Fiducia Supplicans)
No one was satisfied with the answer that was given earlier. It seems obvious that Pope Francis was very interested in going deeper on the meaning of blessing, regardless of whether we all agree with his theological opinions in this area. More conservative voices who were concerned about his reflections then will also be concerned about this declaration.
2. Affirmation on the Uniqueness of Marriage
The document underlines the uniqueness of marriage. Many conservative pundits will miss this aspect in their analysis of the document. Blessing in the context of the sacrament of marriage maintains its unique character. “Rites and prayers that could create confusion between what constitutes marriage—which is the ‘exclusive, stable, and indissoluble union between a man and a woman, naturally open to the generation of children’—and what contradicts it are inadmissible.” (Fiducia Supplicans, 4)
The Rite of Marriage is exclusive to a heterosexual relationship that is open to life. The document does nothing to change that. It is important, while other aspects and interpretations may be troublesome, to continue underlining the sanctity and uniqueness of marriage within God’s salvific plan for humanity. This is very different from blessing same-sex unions.
3. Theological Reflection on Blessing
Pope Francis has wanted to frame much of the atmosphere of the debate in the context of exegesis. What do the Scriptures say? How do we understand blessings? What is the history of this sacramental? “Blessings are among the most widespread and evolving sacramentals. Indeed, they lead us to grasp God’s presence in all the events of life and remind us that, even in the use of created things, human beings are invited to seek God, to love him, and to serve him faithfully.” (Fiducia Supplicans, 8)
Blessing is shown as something abundant in Scripture. Some would take this to be a tacit approval of blessings that go beyond the ordinary scope. However, it is important to note a phrase regarding the liturgical meaning of the rite of blessing. “From a strictly liturgical point of view, a blessing requires that what is blessed be conformed to God’s will, as expressed in the teachings of the Church.” (Fiducia Supplicans, 8) This would be one of the sticking points for many of the interpretations. The document insists that the blessing of a same-sex union may not happen in a liturgical context. Nor may it coincide with a civil ceremony recognizing the union legally.
4. Call to Conformity with the Teaching of the Church
It would seem that there is hope that opening the way to a blessing would help in the way of conversion upon which those asking for it are journeying. “One who asks for a blessing show himself to be in need of God’s saving presence in his life and one who asks for a blessing from the Church recognizes the latter as a sacrament of the salvation that God offers.” (Fiducia Supplicans, 20)
Now, will this happen? The importance of healthy pastoral judgment cannot be over-emphasized. Pastors of the Church should not be turning away those who come with a sincere desire for repentance and conversion. Still, it is pastorally insensitive to give them false hopes that disordered behavior will one day be sanctioned. Pastors must not listen exclusively to the call for orthodoxy or for pastoral care. Rather, they should listen to both at the same time. Pastoral care can never be an excuse for letting go of the authentic teaching of the Church.
“This is a blessing that, although not included in any liturgical rite, unites intercessory prayer with the invocation of God’s help by those who humbly turn to him. God never turns away anyone who approaches him!” (Fiducia Supplicans, 33)
5. Reminder that the Church is the Sacrament of God’s Infinite Love
“The Church is thus the sacrament of God’s infinite love. Therefore, even when a person’s relationship with God is clouded by sin, he can always ask for a blessing, stretching out his hand to God.” (Fiducia Supplicans, 43)
It would be a shame for the Church to reject the hand of one who is reaching out for help in living the Christian life. Now, it is an open question whether blessing same-sex unions fits this purpose.
“Any blessing will be an opportunity for a renewed proclamation of the kerygma, an invitation to draw ever closer to the love of Christ.” (Fiducia Supplicans, 44) Perhaps this can be the litmus test of pastoral initiatives springing forth from this declaration. Does it help those people who approach take the courageous decision to repent from sins and turn to the Gospel?
Do you want to read more? Check out my other blog post on the matter.
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