Celibacy
Celibacy. It’s a devotion, a vocation, a lifestyle. Some choose it and others are called to it. In this short essay, I will be discussing two aspects of celibacy; the Biblical references to it, and why priests are committed to celibate living. To learn more about the vocation, which celibacy applies to, please read articles Holy Orders, which is and proceeds from the article Sacraments.
First, allow me to address the opposition. Many fellow brothers and sisters in Christ outside the Church will make known to me their beliefs of priestly celibacy by referencing the scripture of 1 Timothy 4:1-3, which speaks of how forbidding marriage is a doctrine of demons. To get to the heart of this issue, understand that the Church doesn’t forbid marriage. Priests choose to live celibate lives. There are some married priests, but that is a rarity. Secondly, the Church encourages celibacy due to Christ’s and Paul’s quotes on ministry and marriage; we will find out why as we progress later on in this essay. As this may not be enough, I also hear 1 Timothy 3:2 which states that a bishop must be married only once. Some seem to overlook that it doesn’t say, “must bemarried once” but, “must be married only once” meaning, if the bishop marries, he is to only have one marriage.
In fact, the Church encourages marriage, though not in Priestly ministry. Ephesians 5:21-33 tells us that marriage is good; it is a holy symbol of Christ and the Church. But marriage, again, is pertaining to the laity. How do I we know this? Because Christ tells us in Matthew 19:12 that Jesus praised celibacy, Who Himself was celibate. Even St. Paul was celibate, according to 1 Corinthians 7:8. But why celibacy? Because the pledge of celibacy is most fitting for the life of ministry (1 Corinthians 7:32-35). If Christ and St. Paul spoke, conveying to us in the infallible Word of God that those in ministry ought to be celibate due to effectiveness, then it is best that priests, who are in the line of ministry, should be celibate as the Good Word recommends.
Look at Jeremiah. He lived celibate. Why? Because he was called to it in his ministry. God the Father commanded that he live and work for God. God not only called him into the field of ministry, but God commanded that he not take up marriage nor have children (Jeremiah 16:1-4). Both God the Father and Christ understood that it was most fitting to be celibate in ministry. Granted, those who were already married could still become priests. But to abstain from marriage in order that they may become better servants was the idea Christ had in mind in Matthew 19:12 and by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35.
Where else is celibacy eluded to in scripture? 2 Timothy 2:3-4 tells us that no soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits. Meaning, when a soldier is called to order in the government, his ways are not the ways of a civilian. Likewise for the man or woman called into ministry. Those called into ministry don’t have the same ways of conduct as the laity. St. Paul tells us for those who are to be in ministry, it is best that they be celibate.
Another example of celibacy, but being a pledge instead of vocation, is in 1 Timothy 5:9-12. Older widows took a pledge of celibacy and were commended for their devotion to live celibate. This confirms that pledges and devotion to celibacy are not only made acceptable unto the Lord, but are honorable. To better understand the vow of celibacy, read Leviticus, Chapter 30.
I know many will say that St. Peter, the apostle of Jesus, was married. Yes, he was married. Christ said it is better for someone to be a priest unmarried, but not necessary. Also, historically speaking, clerical celibacy didn’t become as strict of a practice until 1579 when the Church really committed to clerical celibacy as the Bible recommends.
My question is this; when a priest vows to live a celibate life in his ministry, as Christ and St. Paul state is most appropriate, why do my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ have a problem with clerical and priestly celibacy?
“The vow of celibacy is a matter of keeping one’s word to Christ and the Church. a duty and a proof of the priest’s inner maturity; it is the expression of his personal dignity.” Pope John Paul II
Your’s,
Drew Castel
