By Lavoisier Fernandes.
I understand the initial disappointment you may have felt, much like my own, when the media sensationalized that Pope Francis had opened the doors for blessing same-sex unions without fully grasping the context and actually reading this declaration “Fiducia Supplicans-On the pastoral Meaning of Blessings” in its entirety.
Listening to the secular media including Catholic bloggers and celebrity priests and their false narrative, it is easy to become disheartened and have this exclusive moral fixation on the sixth commandment and the sin of sodomy whilst conveniently ignoring other commandments, moral standards, and sins that we all (irrespective of genders or sexual orientation) fall short–like worshipping false God’s (money), pornography, use of artificial contraception, pride, envy, lust, gluttony, slander, gossip, arrogance, lies, theft in the disguise of corruption, lack of interest in social justice and the environment.
Perhaps you may feel like the sceptics, critical of this pontificate and who have already assumed that the Magisterium is an agent of Satan and confusion, thus nit-picking, slapping ideological labels on the Holy Father without grasping the bigger picture behind Pope Francis’ pastoral approach, teachings, and initiatives.
For starters and to be rest assured, the Holy Father has reaffirmed through this declaration that the Catholic Church only blesses one type of “union” between a couple—that is the sacramental marriage between man and woman. But the Church can give a simple blessing to one person, a couple, a group, a cricket team, or an entire stadium full of people. The pope’s Urbi et Orbi Christmas and Easter blessings is to “the city and the world.” The Church can bless two people who are a couple without sanctioning everything that they do, nor recognizing every agreement they make whilst maintaining pastoral prudence (this is important), so that these blessings do not transmit a mistaken conception of marriage.
So, that said and done, let me park this declaration to one side and move to a hypothetical reflection.
What if the Prodigal son was gay?
Consider, for a moment, a hypothetical scenario where the Prodigal Son grapples with his sexuality in a society deeply rooted in traditional norms. Suppose he acknowledges his same-sex orientation, a reality not confined to contemporary times but recognized throughout history. In a daring move, he demands his share of inheritance, a decision that, in the cultural context of that era, would be perceived as a grievous slur to familial and societal values.
Upon leaving, he indulges recklessly in hedonistic pursuits, including same-sex relationships, depleting his resources and dignity. However, as days turn into nights, a profound realization dawns upon him. Consumed by remorse, he contemplates returning home, not as a prodigal seeking restitution, but as a broken individual yearning for acceptance.
The father’s response upon seeing his wayward son’s return is emblematic of unconditional love. Rather than reprimanding or shunning him, the father rushes forward, embracing him wholeheartedly. This act transcends societal expectations, underscoring a father’s undying love for his child. He celebrates his son’s return, symbolizing the divine joy experienced when a believer reconnects with God.
Meanwhile, the heterosexual elder son, steadfast and loyal to the father but with his hidden sin of greed, pride, envy, pornography, and fornication questions the justice of this acceptance. He wonders aloud why someone who lived a life considered scandalous receives such accolades, while his own virtues seem overlooked. This sentiment touches upon a universal human inclination to equate righteousness with entitlement, often overshadowing the essence of compassion and grace.
Core Message of the Parable?
The teachings of Jesus, often conveyed through parables, offer profound insights into human nature and divine grace. Among these parables, the narrative of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 stands out, emphasizing not just redemption but the restorative power of a father’s love. Delving deeper into the parable’s essence, it becomes evident that its core message transcends mere repentance. Unlike the preceding parables in Luke 15, where the seeker actively searches for the lost, the Prodigal Son’s story highlights divine patience. The father’s unwavering vigilance signifies God’s relentless pursuit of every soul, regardless of past transgressions. This progression underscores God’s intimate relationship with humanity, emphasizing His personal investment in each individual’s journey.
The hypothetical reinterpretation of the Prodigal Son parable offers a nuanced perspective on acceptance, redemption, and divine love. It prompts reflection on societal norms, religious interpretations, and the profound significance of grace in fostering genuine human connections. As the narrative unfolds, it beckons individuals and communities alike to embrace compassion, understanding, and above all, unconditional love, mirroring the divine benevolence exemplified in the parable’s timeless tale.
The biblical message of love that Changes the World
The Bible teaches us that love is the greatest commandment, and it has the power to transform the world around us.
In the book of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, the St. Paul writes, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud [,]………… Love never fails.” This passage highlights the transformative power of love and its ability to bring about positive change in the world.
The Bible also teaches us that God is love, and those who abide in love abide in God (1 John 4:16) and John 3:16, affirms the transformative power of love: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” This verse speaks to the sacrificial nature of love and its ability to bring about salvation and eternal life. It is through the love of God that we are able to experience redemption and transformation in our lives.
Love Does Not Mean Compromising Our Convictions but calls for Empathy, Respect and Understanding.
The life and teachings of Jesus Christ serve as the ultimate example of love in action. Jesus demonstrated love through his compassion, mercy, and selfless sacrifice. His love had the power to heal the sick, restore the broken, and bring hope to the hopeless.
As Catholics, it is important to remember that our faith calls us to love and accept others unconditionally, regardless of their sexual orientation. This does not mean compromising our convictions, but rather approaching all individuals with empathy, respect, and understanding. Just as Jesus embraced those who were marginalized and oppressed, we are called to do the same.
Understanding Homosexuality Through the Lenses of Pope Francis which is Compliant with Church Teaching.
In contemporary times, the Catholic Church, under the Holy Father, grapples with reconciling traditional doctrine with evolving societal perspectives and discrimination. While reaffirming the sacramental understanding of marriage between a man and a woman, the Church also emphasizes the intrinsic dignity of every individual. Pope Francis’s emphasis on God’s unconditional love for all underscores the Church’s evolving stance on homosexuality. His assertion that being homosexual(or gay) is a human condition rather than a crime and underscores a more inclusive approach, recognizing the complexities of human sexuality within the broader framework of faith.
Recognizing the profound vision driving Pope Francis’s Pontificate.
It is important to look beyond the surface and recognize the profound vision driving Pope Francis’s pontificate. His mission is rooted in a profound call for transformation and a deep trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This transformation extends not only to individual believers but also to the entire Church, encompassing various aspects of its existence and mission. In many ways, this represents a new paradigm for pastoral care and evangelization, one that seeks to revitalize and renew the Church in a multifaceted manner.
Lavoisier Fernandes, born and raised in Goa, is currently based in West London. His faith is “work in progress” — a lifelong journey. He has always been fascinated by the Catholic faith, thanks to his Salesian schooling. His passions are podcasting, theology, the papacy, and volunteering. He has hosted the ‘Talking Faith’ series for Heavens Road FM Catholic Radio, connecting with ordinary men and women within the Catholic faith and other faiths and examining issues affecting both the Church and society. He has also hosted the ‘Heart Talk’ series for Shalom World Catholic TV. He presently contributes for the Goa Diocesan magazine Renovação and the Faith Companion Magazine in England.