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It is not surprising that the Holy Father was inspired by the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman when he described in Amoris Latetitia “the logic of pastoral mercy”, based upon the three pillars of accompaniment, discernment and integration.
Quoting the Relatio Synodi of 2014, the Pope affirmed that the situations which do not correspond or no longer correspond to the Gospel ideal of marriage “require a constructive response”, and that couples in such situations “need to be welcomed and guided patiently and discreetly”. The Pope then immediately noted that “that is how Jesus treated the Samaritan woman”.
These reasons suggest that we should not be content with a ministry of preservation, which looks after those “who are inside” and forgets about those who instead “are outside”, who often feel judged and condemned by believers. On the contrary, each Christian community is called to become a “Church which goes forth” and a “field hospital” for those who are wounded by life”s circumstances, through the art of accompaniment, discernment in the individual situations, and integration in the ecclesial life.
As every Holy Year, may this be the occasion for the practice of reconciliation,
forgiveness and mercy with one another. [“¦] Let us entrust ourselves to the
powerful intercession of Mary, Mater misericordiae. [“¦] It is important to cultivate Carmelite spirituality which, in the centuries has produced countless fruits of good and of holiness, constantly fostering devotion for the Virgin Mary, Flos Carmeli.
Lorenzo Baldisseri
