Married, single or celibate, we often experience this world as a veil of tears. The living is hard. We face many obstacles to happiness and security. Nothing lasts. Everyone faces the challenges of suffering, sickness and death. The celibate might live for the world to come, as a remarkable sign, and yet he does not escape the demands and trials of this world. We are called to know freedom in Jesus Christ. But, the bondage that arises from the world, the flesh and the devil is always seeking to ensnare us or draw us back in. Knowing that Jesus died that we might no longer be slaves to sin, we turn to repentance and faith. The celibate priest throws himself into the hands of God to be a sentinel for others in the race to true freedom.
Celibacy has such a high value or importance that it is worth all the applicable sacrifices. Those who question its worth for priestly ministry do not appreciate this fact. The Church is wise and prudent to insist upon it as a mandatory charism and discipline. It makes possible a priesthood with a positive difference. We do not belittle the contributions and valuable service of our few married priests; rather, we keep them in prayer as men who are obliged to parcel themselves out between the obligations associated with the marriage bed and the altar.
Filed under: Anti-Catholicism, Apologetics, Catholic, Celibacy, Discipleship | Leave a comment »
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