Celibacy and marriage are not two competing vocations but are dependent upon and elevate one another. It is not by coincidence that in times of crisis for marriage (such as our present time in which the divorce rates are astronomical) are also times of crisis for consecrated celibacy.
Although celibacy is objectively superior to marriage, it does not diminish the goods of marriage. In fact, celibacy elevates the good of marriage. It is a superiority that totally gives itself for the good of marriage. It also makes itself dependent on the good of marriage for its life. This interdependence of marriage and celibacy is not only spiritual but physical as well. After all, in order for a person to be able to embrace celibate love he has to be created, and the way God creates man is through the marital embrace. In this light, it is not by mistake that the family is seen as the source of priestly and religious vocations.
Even though celibacy is the objectively superior state, this does not mean that it is for everyone. Our Lord makes this very clear when he says, "Not all men can accept this precept, but only those to whom it is given. . . . There are those 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. 19:11–12).
I agree in principle that celibacy is a valid choice, a rare “gift”, and is not for everyone.
My questions arise not with elective celibacy generally, but with mandated celibacy for clergy. Mandated celibacy forces those without the gift of celibacy, but who are called to discipleship, to force celibacy on themselves or choose another vocation. If marriage is not a moral wrong, and does not draw men away from God ... why are those without the gift of celibacy not allowed the priesthood? Should the gift of celibacy really be the defining characteristic of priests, and are those without that particular gift really unfit to lead, disciple or apostle?
Not accordin to Christ. The dichotomy of Peter (married) and Paul (celibate) would seem to me to indicate that those without the gift of celibacy were still welcome among Christ’s disciples.
SnakeDoc
Excellent observations. (And happy birthday!)
When my prayer group discussed sexuality, much of what we covered began to make sense once we understood that "sexuality" in its core meaning simply means, "We are women." This fact has many implications. Some of it has to do with sexual feelings or behavior, but much does not. In every aspect of life, we are affected by our *being women*.