Celibacy in no devalues human sexuality and marriage. Given how much we prize marriage and family life, there is a realistic appreciation of how tremendous a sacrifice it is. Today, perhaps more than ever before, celibacy contributes to the priestly life as a means to imitate Christ and to put on his heart: “There is no greater love than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 5:13). The priest lives not for himself, but for the people he serves. He has been configured to Christ in such a way, signed by a special spiritual character at ordination, that he can absolve sins and act at the altar in the person of Christ the head. Celibacy indicates a total consecration to our Lord that shows itself in service of the flock of Christ. If our Lord could take the form of a slave (see Philippians 2:7-8); then the ordained priest must also image himself as a servant willing to surrender everything for the Gospel.
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