Recently, someone posted a very moving plea on our divorcedcatholic.org forum. Here is an excerpt from the post:

I am so sorry for what I have done, but the guilt and heartache over what I have done is crushing me and I want so desperately to reconcile with God and the Church.

Their pain, caused by their own mistake, is so evident.

When dealing with the fallout of divorce, we often seek justice by blaming the offending party. We tend to mentally banish that person to a life of shame. After all, that is their just reward. Right? Well, what Jesus would do?

The Gospel story of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:2-11) gives clear insight into Jesus’s merciful heart. When the woman caught in the act of adultery is brought to Jesus, the Pharisees are certain Jesus will condemn her to death by stoning as the Mosaic law dictates. However, Jesus shocks them by turning the spotlight on their own sinfulness. One by one, they retreat in shame. Jesus then forgives the woman, and instructs her to “Go, and sin no more.”

This is the model of mercy and forgiveness we are all called to follow. If your divorce was caused by your ex, you are called to  forgive them and release them from their guilt and shame. If you were the person who caused your divorce, come to Jesus and know that He stands ready to forgive you, not condemn you. As Jesus made clear to the Pharisees, none of us is perfect. We are all sinners in need of forgiveness. Thankfully, we have a Savior, Jesus, who is always ready to forgive even our most dreadful sins. Go to Him!

For there is no distinction; since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. – Romans 3:22-24

Originally posted 2014-05-28 06:00:56.