“The nuptial dimension proper to every form of love is the point of departure for addressing pastoral challenges regarding marriage and the family.”

1. Looking ahead to the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

In view of the upcoming Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, in these remarks I would like to reflect on two aspects of the reality of marriage and the family: the first is anthropological in nature and the second sacramental.¹ They are closely interconnected.

a) An anthropological view

From an anthropological perspective, the reactions to the questions in the “Preparatory Document” show the existence of a significant disconnect, though this varies according to continent. On the one hand, the fundamental lessons taught by experience and by Christian doctrine continue to be considered and proposed as the expression of love’s ideal. On the other hand, they are perceived by many as ultimately unsuitable to the emotional experience of the men and women of our time.² This state of affairs prompts us to study in greater depth the intrinsically pastoral character of Christian doctrine, according to the teaching of Vatican Council II, lest the gospel of the family become irrelevant especially in those societies that have largely fallen away from the practice of the Christian faith.

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