Tuesday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
(II Kings
19:9b-11.14-21.31-35a.36; Matthew 7:6.12-14)
Bringing up
priestly celibacy in a discussion often seems like throwing a pearl before
swine. Although most people do not
understand it, they speak of it negatively.
They will say that it is an outdated rule that the pope may change at
will. And they offer the scandal of sexual
abuse by priests as reason for change.
Unfortunately,
people are unaware of the history of priestly celibacy and of its profound
spirituality. Celibacy is grounded in
the experience of Jesus. There is
absolutely no evidence that he married.
Its Scriptural foundation rests on his statement that some people are
eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
It is much more than a practical matter that allows more time for
ministry or that avoids problems of inheritance of Church property. Rather celibacy – the sacrifice of personal
fulfilment in marriage -- witnesses to the Lord as the one who bestows ultimate
value.
Priests are
not “lone rangers.” They need
support. Especially diocesan priests require
affirmation from the people when they serve well. Providing encouragement to priests fulfills
the vision of solidarity to which God calls His people.
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