"The discussion of the Synod is not centered on whether or not divorced and remarried faithful can receive the Eucharist, but whether the doctrine of the Church has become an unattainable ideal for today's society. Yet, if this is really how things are, there is need for clarification, it is necessary to specifically tell everyone that the Gospel, the Good News, has become an unbearable, totally unnecessary burden." This decisive discourse in support of the traditional doctrine of the Church was pronounced on 20 May by Cardinal Robert Sarah, Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, during the presentation of the book series "Famiglia lavori in corso" (Family work in progress), published by Cantagalli Press, at the Pontifical John Paul II Institute.

 

The Cardinal, invited to introduce the new book series, fully expressed his deepest convictions, which are found in his recent book Dieu ou rien, which will soon be available in Italy. According to Card. Sarah, "the treasure of Christianity must not be debased by a certain kind of pragmatism or general feeling. The starting point for understanding the deep connection between Christianity and morality is our personal encounter with Christ, someone who gives our life a new horizon. In fact, it is not a philosophical theorem or a moral doctrine, but—I repeat this—an encounter. Therefore, the Church must fight courageously against the great regression of people within a hedonistic society, where they mistakenly believe (it is a mistake that we all see every day) that unrestrained liberalism makes civilization progress. Bringing man, who wants love, to the source of love is our mission as a Church, and it must be accomplished even at the cost of martyrdom—be it physical or spiritual—, and precisely the family is the privileged place where we find the love that gives meaning to life."

 

"The doctrine—said the Prefect—belongs to no one else but Jesus. Now, our job, as pastors, is to protect it, because protecting the doctrine means protecting the sheep, those whom Christ purchased at the price of his own blood. The Gospel cannot be changed: Christ was merciful, but he also said that those who break marriage and commit adultery, as well as those who do not repent, cannot approach the Eucharist. So, if we believe that the Eucharist is simple food to which all have a right, thinking that it is not the Body of Christ, we lose the heart of the mystery, we lose faith. I think therefore that the confusion created by some prelates, because of their small faith, is serious; however, if we pastors, as the first, regain strong and courageous faith, then the people will follow us with the same determination."

 

Cardinal Sarah, referring to the teaching of Benedict XVI, concluded his intervention by proposing a different path of love for those who are divorced and remarried, a path that any case leads to the union with Jesus: "Suffering, the distance full of desire, can paradoxically lead to union with the Lord, to sharing his own suffering out of love. The pain of not being able to receive Communion may be the path leading from death to life, a way of making the Eucharist."