Reflection on March 10, 1982

https://www.ewtn.com/library/PAPALDOC/jp2tb72.htm

It is an interesting thing to think about, the celibacy of priest and religious. It is something that many think is holding the Church back in the numbers of ordained. There are also many that believe this was one of the main reason for the sexual abuse scandal. I don’t believe either. To the latter, there sexual abuse cases throughout all professions that deal with children. That is not an excuse for the priestly abuse, there is no excuse and it should never happen. It is an argument against the idea that celibacy is the reason. And I don’t believe it would mean an increase in vocations. I think religious vocations all over Christianity are struggling, whether pastors are allowed to be married or not. Plus, I cannot see how a priest could give the devotion that is needed to a parish and not neglect their family, or the other way around. I love the fact that priest are not married. I think it shows devotion that I find inspiring.

But beyond all that, SJPII talks about the special reason for celibacy and the special calling it requires. Christ does not say you need to do this, He does not say one way is better than the other, and there is not a better way. Christ says that there are some that are called to live a life of celibacy for God. Christ speaks very clearly that you have a choice and that you need to discern what the choice is for yourself. Marriage has it values and its guiding principles and its importance. Celibacy has its importance as well. “Some will make themselves eunuchs for the Kingdom of Heaven”. There seems to be a trend against marriage right now. I can see some using these verses as a validation of that choice. If you are choosing a religious life as opposed to marriage, then I think your interpretation would be correct. But if you are choosing to stay unmarried because you like the freedom it gives you, you don’t want to be tied down, don’t like the lifelong commitment of marriage, and then you’re missing the point. The alternative to marriage is living a chaste life for the Kingdom of God. Making that choice for selfish reasons is exactly the opposite of what Christ is saying.