O
OneTrueCathApos
Guest
I have been very sad lately because my Parish Priest is ill and no longer coming back to our church. This man is a very Holy, Loyal priest to God and I miss him terribly. He helped me so much over the past 8 years. One day our Parish was suppose to close and there he was in the front pew all alone kneeling in front of the Crucifix. It was during the week and I happened to want to go in there to pray for our church. I went over to him to see if he was alright and he just looked at me and said “You know what the Saints have that I don’t?” I asked what was that and he kindly said “Perserverance”. They perservered to the end and that is exactly what he wanted. Our parish ended up not closing, but I will never forget the memories of this wonderful priest. So I wanted to start a thread about these great human beings who have given their lives for Jesus Christ. Please, no digs about the fallen, as they were not Holy people.
Jesus said"
"For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it". Matt. 19:12
Jesus taught the desirability of celibacy for those called to it, there can be little doubt about St. Paul’s position, expressed in great detail in 1 Cor. 7:7-9, 20,27-28, 32-35, 38.
St. Paul’s argument is clear enough, for anyone able to receive it. The celibate priest can single-heartedly devote himself both to God and to his flock.
Why then, is there so much uproar today (as was in Luther’s era) over the disciplinary requirement? (It is neither a dogma nor irreversible, although it is firmly established in Catholic Tradition). Must be a lack of belief in the power of God to assist one in such a difficult life choice, especially given the present sexually crazed atmosphere. Opponents of celibacy often simply assume, like Luther, that a life without sex is utterly impossible, whereas our Lord Jesus and St. Paul undeniably teach the contrary—even desirability—even preferability—of celibacy for those called. One must make a choice for or against the biblical teaching.
Every Roman Catholic priest takes a vow of chastity and obedience. No one is compelled to become a Catholic priest, and the complaining and moaning of those who have ill-advisedly taken on such a commitment no longer believe it to be possible, is unjustified.
Priests, even “good” ones, are fallen and fallible human beings–like all of us–subject to temptations and moral lapses, and are special targets of Satan. They need our prayers continually.
Jesus said"
"For there are eunuchs who have been so from birth, and there are eunuchs who have been made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. He who is able to receive this, let him receive it". Matt. 19:12
Jesus taught the desirability of celibacy for those called to it, there can be little doubt about St. Paul’s position, expressed in great detail in 1 Cor. 7:7-9, 20,27-28, 32-35, 38.
St. Paul’s argument is clear enough, for anyone able to receive it. The celibate priest can single-heartedly devote himself both to God and to his flock.
Why then, is there so much uproar today (as was in Luther’s era) over the disciplinary requirement? (It is neither a dogma nor irreversible, although it is firmly established in Catholic Tradition). Must be a lack of belief in the power of God to assist one in such a difficult life choice, especially given the present sexually crazed atmosphere. Opponents of celibacy often simply assume, like Luther, that a life without sex is utterly impossible, whereas our Lord Jesus and St. Paul undeniably teach the contrary—even desirability—even preferability—of celibacy for those called. One must make a choice for or against the biblical teaching.
Every Roman Catholic priest takes a vow of chastity and obedience. No one is compelled to become a Catholic priest, and the complaining and moaning of those who have ill-advisedly taken on such a commitment no longer believe it to be possible, is unjustified.
Priests, even “good” ones, are fallen and fallible human beings–like all of us–subject to temptations and moral lapses, and are special targets of Satan. They need our prayers continually.
