Sexuality/Celibacy

In imitation of Jesus Christ Who was celibate for the sake of the Kingdom, Roman Catholic priests are chosen from among those who will commit themselves to a life of chaste celibacy. It is a “sign of contradiction” in the world reminding people of eternal life. It allows for an adherence to Christ with an undivided heart.

It is a good thing to like girls. The question is whether God offers you the grace to put aside the intimacy proper to the relationship of husband and wife, in order to take up a type of spiritual fatherhood in which you love a whole parish of people inclusively in a spiritual, non-physical way. As a spiritual father, you spiritually raise the untold numbers of children in God’s family.

For those whom God is calling to the priesthood, He is giving the grace of celibacy. Like any gift it is not passively received, but is to be actively accepted. The virtue of chastity in the celibate state must be built up. This requires effort and vigilance, but it is not done alone; it is done with the help of God. Jesus answered, “Not all can accept [this] word, but only those to whom that is granted. Some are incapable of marriage because they were born so; some, because they were made so by others; some, because they have renounced marriage for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whoever can accept this ought to accept it.” Matthew 19:11-12.

Solitude happens to everyone. There will ultimately be a space in a person’s heart and life that cannot be filled by another thing or a person, not even a spouse. To prevent loneliness that space must be filled with the search for finding the Lord and seeking His face. It also allows the heart to be purified for service to God’s People.