Following the reading of Anne-Marie Pelletier’s article:Anne-Marie PELLETIER, Amoris Laetitia, sous l’inspiration de la Parole de Dieu, Les Éditions du Cerf, Revue d’éthique et de théologie morale, 2017/2 n°294, pp. 17-30.
In her article titled “Amoris Laetitia, under the Inspiration of the Word of God,” exegete and theologian Anne-Marie Pelletier aims to demonstrate how Pope Francis’s apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, a genuine spiritual work rooted in Scripture, carries a powerful inspiration and spiritual renewal brought forth by the Word of God. Thus, the accompaniment, discernment, and integration to which the Pope invites the Church in this exhortation are born from the wisdom of God revealed in Scripture. In pastoral care, acknowledging unique situations reflects how each moment and each person mirrors the biblical narrative. Ultimately, Anne-Marie Pelletier shows that at the heart of this exhortation, the Pope shares the fruits of his own companionship with the Word of God.
First, highlighting how Amoris Laetitia deeply immerses itself in Scripture, the author emphasizes how the exhortation encourages a close relationship with Scripture. Anne-Marie Pelletier does not fail to quote Amoris Laetitia 22, presenting the Word of God as a “travel companion,” guiding families on their journey. In this section, she draws upon the breadth of Scripture cited in Amoris Laetitia, especially wisdom literature, which helps keep “feet on the ground,” as the preface of Amoris Laetitia states. Thus, the reality of marriage and family becomes the “story of flesh with God,” opening up to the complexity of real life and leading to an understanding of an embodied truth.
Second, Anne-Marie Pelletier presents Amoris Laetitia as a call to recognize the “places” of God and His work of salvation. These “places” of God are the openings where God is present. From the foundational triangulation of Genesis 2 to the sinful alteration of Genesis 3, the Pope boldly speaks of “a path of suffering and blood” (Amoris Laetitia 19). Shedding light on the struggles within couples and families, Pope Francis draws on God’s presence in chaotic stories. The hope of the Gospel is that the path of revelation passes through difficult human realities: Pelletier illustrates that it is through these troubled relationships that “salvation history” unfolds. Thus, the “field hospital” (Amoris Laetitia 291) that Pope Francis frequently references is nothing other than the humanity of Scripture.
Lastly, the author discusses the interaction between law and mercy as a path to embracing the Good News of the Gospel. Arguing that it is futile to reiterate the law where it is disregarded or rejected, the author underscores the urgency of granting access to the meaning of the law as designated by the Church. The identity of the law is foremost a divine gift in the service of life and happiness, to be understood in its fullness, as revealed in Christ. While adhering to the truth remains vital, the mercy inherent in Christ’s identity leads us toward accompaniment and integration, acts of divine mercy. The love that surrounds the law, as both its foundation and fulfillment, can then be revealed in truth.
Presenting Amoris Laetitia within the framework of Scripture’s central role in understanding the Christian mystery, as stated in the dogmatic constitution Dei Verbum, the author progressively shows that the Pope’s exhortation to accompany, discern, and integrate is ultimately born of God’s wisdom as revealed in Scripture. Amoris Laetitia thus emerges as a pastoral guide for couples and families with the “Gospel in hand.” For those whom Amoris Laetitia challenges with its surprising boldness, Anne-Marie Pelletier demonstrates that the words of the exhortation come directly from the Gospel, opening up “the joy of love” as an ever-present possibility.