In 2021 blessings DID condone the sins of those in sinful (let's not ever use the word irregular) relationships. Remember "God can't bless sin." That's what they said then. How can we get around that? Hmm, we'll change the meaning of the word "blessing." Anyway, EMJs response is all over the place and says way more about him than anything else. His assumptions are insulting. In his mind, people make choices based not on facts, but on who they like or don't like, because that is obviously what he does. His comments on Twitter are scattered and bizarre, I believe they have more to do with promoting his career than any other consideration.

The “plain sense” of this document has nothing to do with “closing the door on gay marriage.” It does no such thing, especially in this age of incrementalism. Tucho claims that the plain sense of the document is to teach about the distinction between liturgical and informal blessings. Also ridiculous. The true plain sense of this is to legitimize same sex couples (as well as known adulterous and fornicating couples) publicly approaching a priest to receive a blessing. Nobody cares whether it’s formal or informal. No self respecting priest would ever do such a thing. The informal nature of these things means that priests are free to concoct their own blessings. How often would you expect an explicit call to repentance for sodomy to be included?

Ok Let's say Mr. X splits from Mrs. X and their kids and shacks up with Ms. Y from down the street. All are catholic. Mr X and Ms Y, now in an irregular union, decide 'spontaneously' to approach the local priest for a blessing after Sunday Mass at which Mrs X and her children happen to be. Mrs X witnesses the 'spontaneous' blessing happily delivered by Fr. JM. What is the Church saying to the abandoned and heartbroken Mrs X and her children?