Remember Jesus’ Words to Peter

by Letters Editor · April 1, 2017

Paddy Ross, Cape Town- I can understand the feelings of Leonie Arries (February 22) and others who have apparently been blessed with successful marriages feeling let down by aspects of the papal document on the family, Amoris Laetitia.

But I must disagree with her statement that “nowhere in scripture did Our Lord say we may alter his Word”.

In Matthew 16:19, Jesus addresses Peter as the future pontiff with the words: “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven…and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven”.

I am amazed at the mercy of God towards King David, who committed adultery, made Bathsheba pregnant, then murdered her husband Uriah by sending him to his death in battle so that he, David, could marry Bathsheba. Yet God saw fit to apparently forgive David and have his Son, Jesus, born into the line of David.

It is worth remembering also the words of the gospel for this first Saturday in Lent: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repent” (Lk 5:31-32).

Indeed, God’s mercy is beyond human understanding.