Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Amoris Laetitia - Par. 240


240.  Many people leave childhood without ever having felt unconditional love.  This affects their ability to be trusting and open with others.  A poor relationship with one's parents and siblings, if left unhealed, can re-emerge and hurt a marriage.  Unresolved issues need to be dealt with and a process of liberation must take place.  When problems emerge in a marriage, before important decisions are made it is important to ensure that each spouse has come to grips with his or her own history.  This involves recognizing a need for hearing, insistent prayer for the grace to forgive and be forgiven, a willingness to accept help, and the determination not to give up but to keep trying.  A sincere self-examination will make it possible to see how one's own shortcomings and immaturity affect the relationship.  Even if it seems clear that the other person is at fault, a crisis will never be overcome simply expecting him or her to change.  We also have to ask what in our own life needs to grow or heal if the conflict is to be resolved.

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