Marriage, Divorce and Annulments

Recently, a parishioner sent me an email forwarding an article about Pope Francis' comment that has to do with marriage and divorce.  

In this particular article, Pope Francis spoke of something called an "oikonomia of stewardship." 

In the Orthodox Church, it appears that one divorce is permitted.  Whereas in the Roman Catholic Church, divorce is not allowed period.  

So how does the Catholic Church allow for remarriage?  But I would be in error to use the word remarriage since in the first place, since divorce is not allowed.  "What God has joined, man must never divide."  

The Church does allow for an annulment.  An annulment basically is a declaration that the marriage is invalid to begin with.  There was something lacking whether it be consent, or full understanding of what marriage is suppose to be, lifelong and exclusive.  

This would mean that if someone seeks an annulment, they would have to admit that their marriage is invalid.  It doesn't concern with how long they have been married or how many children they have.  It's pretty clear, cut and dry.  If they cannot admit to it, the annulment process can not proceed.  

What I find difficult to accept is for instance a person has a spouse that ends up leaving.  It would seem reasonable and just for that person to get a divorce, remarriage and can still receive Holy Communion.  Spare the paperwork, processing fees and the time it takes for the annulment process to go through, right?  After all, it would be a pastoral thing to do.  It's not their fault to begin with.  By giving them a second chance, they could once again receive Holy Communion.  

But then there are consequences to this way of thinking.  When does it end?  How many divorces can they have?  

Also, it undermines the marriage vow. "I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health.  I will love you and honor you all the days of my life."

If the Church allows for divorce and re-marriage, it may fall under the guise of being pastoral.  Of course, I like pastoral care.  But in this case, it may also undermine the marriage vows that couples make to each other.  Those words are not only holy, sacred and life giving.  But they are also binding.

By making it permissible for divorce and remarriage, I wonder if it will actually keep the parishioners coming to Church, or if parishioners may lose confidence in something that they value which is marriage. 

For instance, hypothetically, even if I get a divorce, I don't want the Church to change the rules just for me.  I still believe that those vows are sacred and binding.  

So it's the tough love attitude versus the nice guy.

Furthermore, is withholding communion for divorce and remarried persons, who have not undergone an annulment, a good thing.  It may not seem like it in the short run because "man, you are so mean".  Would it be better in the long run, or would the sheep wander off forever. 

But think about this.  When couples exchange their marriage vows, not only do they have the responsibility to keep those vows.  The priest, deacon and witnesses, everyone present, all share the burden of ensuring that the marriage covenant can never be broken.