Clergy a superior vocation?

[Brown10985]

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 shows Paul discussing the advantages of celibate life. Is Paul trying to get across that entering religious life is a more noble thing to do than to start a family and raise children to be believers?

 

[maggiec]

1 Corinthians 7:25-40 shows Paul discussing the advantages of celibate life. Is Paul trying to get across that entering religious life is a more noble thing to do than to start a family and raise children to be believers?

In St Pauls letter 1 Corinthians 7: 8 and following: To those not married and to widows I have this to say: It would be well if they remain as they are, as I do myself; but if they cannot exercise self control they should marry; 7: 36 and following: to sum up: the man who marries his virgin, acts fittingly; the one who does not, will do better.
I believe St Paul was telling us that not all are called to the celebate life, the life of the clergy, but we are all have important tasks to perform. Raising children in the faith needs to be acomplished by some. Providing the knowledge for us to teach our children starts with our Holy Father and sifts on down. We are all children of God, and our worth to Him is immeasurable.
Gods peace,
maggiec

 

[Dr.Colossus]

The Church has always taught that religious life is a superior vocation to single or married life. Numerous papal exhortations have stated that parents have the obligation to foster an interest in religious life and to help their children discern a vocation to it.

 

[Funky_Cedars]

Dr. Colossus:

The Church has always taught that religious life is a superior vocation to single or married life.

this seems contrary to Opus Dei. Bl Escriva taught that we are all called to holiness, to sainthood, regardless of vocation. it would seem that the vocation to which God calls someone would be, de facto, the best vocation for them to follow. why would God call us to inferiority?
thanks for listening, love and peace, terry

 

[Dr.Colossus]

The key to understanding this is the difference between equivalency and equality. Everything in creation exists in a hierarchy. We have inanimate objects, then plants, then animals, then humans. Within the human race there is further distinction. Some people are smarter. Others are more athletic. Still others are better artists. A person who is in good shape, but not exceptionally brilliant may find fulfillment in a job such as a construction worker. A person who is not in good shape, yet has skills at visualizing and solving problems might find fulfillment as an architect. Now, if I were to ask you, which is a better job, a construction worker, or an architect? Which would you say? I think most people would likely say architect, because they make more money, require more specialized skill, and do bigger and better things. But both jobs fulfill both people equally. An architect may be above a construction worker hierarchically (i.e., it is superior), but that doesn’t mean that the construction worker has less dignity or importance.

Apply this to vocations. A person who is well versed in scripture and has a knack for counseling may be called to the priesthood. A contemplative, peaceful person may be called to religious life as a Brother or Sister. These vocations are superior because they provide more opportunities to serve and contemplate God. They are retreated from the “real world”. They are as close to heaven as you can get while still living. But they are not for everyone. They will not fulfill everyone. Someone who hates books would not make a very good priest. Someone who always has to be doing something would not make a good monk. Yet, in whatever they choose to do, while it serves God, it is an inferior method of serving him than religious life.

I hope this makes some sense. I guess what I’m trying to say is that we all are made for God. He made some of us capable of taking on higher tasks than others, yet He made each of us in such a way that we will be fulfilled in the tasks we are called to do for Him.

 

[distracted]

Yet, in whatever they choose to do, while it serves God, it is an inferior method of serving him than religious life.

I was following you until you made this comment…

It seems you contradict what you say at first… I personally feel that the vocation God wants for you isthe superior one.

 

[distracted]

In Spirituality Forum (“Most People Go to Hell”), the point is made (see Post #5) - in the site given in Post #5… that

*** most priests go to Hell. ***

Hard to believe, but mentioned in many of the saints’ writings… (St. Chrysostom… etc) I think a man should think very seriously b4 entering the priesthood because teachers (those in authority) have more of a responsibility for the souls of others.
I fear for some priests i know who do NOT teach orthodox Catholic beliefs… and are leading people astray, particularly YOUNG people who are easily influenced…
I also heard somewhere that Catholics who know the Faith but don’t Live it go to some of the lower levels of Hell…

Some people don’t/can’t believe some of this… but isn’t it better to err on the side of caution…? What are the chances a canonized saint, much less several, are wrong??

 

[CatholicMC]

no. In this instance he is saying that the Presbysters should remain celibate so as not to be torn by the worldy needs of supporting a family. A family is not a burden, and should not be seen as that, but a Presbyster should be able to give everything in life to God in fullness, and vice versa a father to his family. There is no 1/2 and 1/2 for the Presbyters.

And no, I do not feel as though being part of the Clergy is a superior vocation–I believe Holy Mother Church agrees.

 

[Lepanto]

The key to understanding this is the difference between equivalency and equality. Everything in creation exists in a hierarchy. We have inanimate objects, then plants, then animals, then humans. Within the human race there is further distinction. Some people are smarter. Others are more athletic. Still others are better artists. A person who is in good shape, but not exceptionally brilliant may find fulfillment in a job such as a construction worker. A person who is not in good shape, yet has skills at visualizing and solving problems might find fulfillment as an architect. Now, if I were to ask you, which is a better job, a construction worker, or an architect? Which would you say? I think most people would likely say architect, because they make more money, require more specialized skill, and do bigger and better things. But both jobs fulfill both people equally. An architect may be above a construction worker hierarchically (i.e., it is superior), but that doesn’t mean that the construction worker has less dignity or importance.

Apply this to vocations. A person who is well versed in scripture and has a knack for counseling may be called to the priesthood. A contemplative, peaceful person may be called to religious life as a Brother or Sister. These vocations are superior because they provide more opportunities to serve and contemplate God. They are retreated from the “real world”. They are as close to heaven as you can get while still living. But they are not for everyone. They will not fulfill everyone. Someone who hates books would not make a very good priest. Someone who always has to be doing something would not make a good monk. Yet, in whatever they choose to do, while it serves God, it is an inferior method of serving him than religious life.

I hope this makes some sense. I guess what I’m trying to say is that we all are made for God. He made some of us capable of taking on higher tasks than others, yet He made each of us in such a way that we will be fulfilled in the tasks we are called to do for Him.

Wow this is a keeper! So true. Excellent way to demolish the political correctness that dominates us today. Thanks!

 

[passioncrosslov]

I was following you until you made this comment…

It seems you contradict what you say at first… I personally feel that the vocation God wants for you isthe superior one.

“I personally feel that the vocation God wants for you is the superior one” [for you], meaning it fits your capacity but it is not necessarily THE superior vocation. I believe vocations do fall under superior and inferior category, and Holy Order is, to my opinion, the superior vocation because it is a sacrament and an ordained priest is called to be Christ for others. The priesthood is not only sacramental but also ordained; no other religious vocation has known to be sacramental or ordained. Moreover, if religious life or consecrated single life were not superior than marriage life (celibacy), why has Our Blessed Mother vowed to be celibate before and after her marriage to St. Joseph, making her marriage to SJ seems more like a “cover-up” or protection of her sanctity from the public eye, for the sake of the Incarnate Word. However, its superiority does not mean that anyone can achieve it. It is Christ that first initiates (calls). “To more that has been given, much will be expected.”

:twocents:

 

[distracted]

I believe vocations do fall under superior and inferior category, and Holy Order is, to my opinion, the superior vocation because it is a sacrament and an ordained priest is called to be Christ for others.

Marriage is a sacrament.

Moreover, if religious life or consecrated single life were not superior than marriage life (celibacy), why has Our Blessed Mother vowed to be celibate before and after her marriage to St. Joseph, making her marriage to SJ seems more like a “cover-up” or protection of her sanctity

Thanks for the Post because i never thought about this one thing before: how marriage is a sacrament, but the single life is not… and i guess life as a nun is not a sacrament either…

:coffeeread: Hmmm… i even more rest my case…

 

[distracted]

The clergy is not a superior vocation, especially if one joins the priesthood for ulterior motives (happens more than people care to think). Or it could be that the office is “superior” but, well, obviously the person of the priest is not superior… Priests are possibly more apt to end up in Hell than others because they are teachers and teachers have a greater responsibility for the souls of others…

An interesting site about Hell and preachers ofthe gospel ending up there is:  [www.SpiritLessons.com](www.SpiritLessons.com)... the part written by M. Baxter: Revelation of Hell

Scary…

Could you please post opinions/comments about the material at this site…

 

[Caesar]

I recall a quote from St. Josemaria about marriage being fine for the rank and file but not the officers of Christ’s army.

 

[jc-servant]

How can priesthood be a “superior” vocation when there would be no more priests without the vocation of marriage?

 

[passioncrosslov]

How can priesthood be a “superior” vocation when there would be no more priests without the vocation of marriage?

… and how would matrimony be a sacrament without a priest? Without priests, there would be no Mass or sacraments, no Holy Eucharist. Are we giggling with “the chicken or the egg” concept here?

 

[passioncrosslov]

The clergy is not a superior vocation, especially if one joins the priesthood for ulterior motives (happens more than people care to think). Or it could be that the office is “superior” but, well, obviously the person of the priest is not superior… Priests are possibly more apt to end up in Hell than others because they are teachers and teachers have a greater responsibility for the souls of others…

An interesting site about Hell and preachers ofthe gospel ending up there is:  [www.SpiritLessons.com](www.SpiritLessons.com)... the part written by M. Baxter: Revelation of Hell

Scary…

Could you please post opinions/comments about the material at this site…

Obviously, priesthood is not for you.

"However, its superiority does not mean that anyone can achieve it. It is Christ that first initiates (calls). “To more that has been given, much will be expected.”

That’s why it is the most unique and special vocation. We need to pray especially for our priests due to their more challenging mission.

 

[Acts29]

The vocation to live a celibate life is, indeed, a higher vocation than the married life. This is because the one who lives the celibate life is living “celibacy for the kingdom”. They are giving up a spousal type of relationship in order to more perfectly love God. In doing this, they are sharing with us a foretaste of Heaven because there is no marriage in Heaven.

 

[Rebelecka]

uch: uch: I am sorry but I have to take issue with the “superior-ness” of being a priest. It is a very noble vocation, indeed…if God has called you to it. Unfortunately, reading these posts gives me an underlying feeling that some views are misogynous–without those who voice them being aware of it. Now, lets see…all priests are men. Priesthood is a sacrament but religious life (male or female) is not. But most men (not all) in religous orders are priests. I’m wondering if some of you just think that being a man is being superior? Yes, Jesus is male. But God the Father and the Holy Spirit don’t really fit the human deffinition of male.

Marriage is a sacrament…Holy Orders are one of the 7 sacraments.

Sorry, I don’t want to offend others. Just got the feeling that some folks think that God likes priests best (you know, the favorite child thing) and the rest of us are just chopped liver… I truely believe that what the “superior” vocation is, is to do the Will of God as “ordained” for each one of us.

 

[distracted]

I recall a quote from St. Josemaria about marriage being fine for the rank and file but not the officers of Christ’s army.

The “rank and file” ??

• sounds kind of demeaning to me. The Church teaches that most people are called to marriage. God “invented” sacramental marriage… and the children who come from that marriage/sacrament are, well, children are the greatest gift to us after Jesus Christ Himself. In the accounts of Hell @ that site (www.SpiritLessons.com)), one person said there are no children in Hell (… Define “children”… Under age 13?? ). Anyway, the Bible tells us that unless we become like little children, we will not enter Heaven…

Frankly, i have often thought that the vocation that is hardest for a person is the one he/she is supposed to pursue… Jesus said to pick up our crosses and carry them… take the narrow way and all that… If a vocation were too easy, we wouldn’t be learning much… IT is only when something is difficult, even problematic for us that we learn… and “learning Christ” is what the Christian life is all about… we can’t grow and be transformed w/o learning… and suffering (…that word most Americans think is a four-letter one).
That being said, all vocations are difficult when you try to do them well…

 

[jc-servant]

The vocation to live a celibate life is, indeed, a higher vocation than the married life. This is because the one who lives the celibate life is living “celibacy for the kingdom”. They are giving up a spousal type of relationship in order to more perfectly love God. In doing this, they are sharing with us a foretaste of Heaven because there is no marriage in Heaven.

Hello, single, celibate . . .consecrated virgins . . .still not priests.

All priests are not celibate because eastern rites have married priests and even Latin rite has married priests in small numbers. Celibacy does not support finding the priesthood a “superior” vocation to single life. The married ones should be “chaste” according to their station in life, but celibate they are not.