Lectionary: 417
His disciples said to him, “If that is the case of a man with his wife, it is better not to marry.”
He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted.
Given the imperative to "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it" -- perhaps the only command of God we mortals have taken to heart -- today's teaching may be less welcome, "Not all can accept this word, but only to those to whom it is granted."
We all know of people who should never have married. They did not learn in childhood the basic attitudes of generosity, sacrifice and sobriety which are essential to marriage. And many of us know men and women who, following the call of love, entered the monastery, convent, friary or priesthood.
The vocation of celibacy, sadly neglected by most Protestant denominations, tempers the law of Genesis 1:28. Marriage is a very serious obligation and only some people are called to enter that way of life.
In the VA hospital I have met more than a few Catholic men and women who realized that early in life. Some never married; more married only once and discovered it didn't work for them. They have lived alone ever since. Often they enjoy amicable relations with their ex-spouses and contact with their children. But they are not temperamentally suited to the challenges of intimate life in the bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom.
Sadly, they have not often found adequate support in the Church. Perhaps they quit looking for it too soon, but they did not join the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society or the parish council. They did not pursue deeper prayer or the contemplative life in the many "third orders" of the Church.
In every diocese there are consecrated hermits. These men and women live alone and work in ordinary jobs, paying their taxes and participating in the life of the Church. They are committed to prayer and are often deeply involved in the life of their church and diocese. Their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience might be known only to their pastors and bishops. Wikipedia has a very interesting and helpful article about consecrated hermits, including passages from Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
A classic book in the field, The Freedom of Sexual Love by Joseph and Lois Bird, reminds us that those who cannot live alone should not marry. They are not ready for the intense solitude of intimacy.
Given today's rush to marriage by those who are twice and thrice-divorced, by gays and lesbians, and many who are not capable of such intense intimacy, the world needs the witness of celibacy. They should be reminded their is no law that says they must marry. There is only the law that says marriage is "till death do us part."
Jesus encourages us to love even as he discourages us from experimenting with a very sacred institution, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted."
He answered, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted.
Given the imperative to "Be fertile and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it" -- perhaps the only command of God we mortals have taken to heart -- today's teaching may be less welcome, "Not all can accept this word, but only to those to whom it is granted."
We all know of people who should never have married. They did not learn in childhood the basic attitudes of generosity, sacrifice and sobriety which are essential to marriage. And many of us know men and women who, following the call of love, entered the monastery, convent, friary or priesthood.
The vocation of celibacy, sadly neglected by most Protestant denominations, tempers the law of Genesis 1:28. Marriage is a very serious obligation and only some people are called to enter that way of life.
In the VA hospital I have met more than a few Catholic men and women who realized that early in life. Some never married; more married only once and discovered it didn't work for them. They have lived alone ever since. Often they enjoy amicable relations with their ex-spouses and contact with their children. But they are not temperamentally suited to the challenges of intimate life in the bathroom, kitchen, living room and bedroom.
Sadly, they have not often found adequate support in the Church. Perhaps they quit looking for it too soon, but they did not join the Knights of Columbus, the Holy Name Society or the parish council. They did not pursue deeper prayer or the contemplative life in the many "third orders" of the Church.
In every diocese there are consecrated hermits. These men and women live alone and work in ordinary jobs, paying their taxes and participating in the life of the Church. They are committed to prayer and are often deeply involved in the life of their church and diocese. Their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience might be known only to their pastors and bishops. Wikipedia has a very interesting and helpful article about consecrated hermits, including passages from Canon Law and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
A classic book in the field, The Freedom of Sexual Love by Joseph and Lois Bird, reminds us that those who cannot live alone should not marry. They are not ready for the intense solitude of intimacy.
Given today's rush to marriage by those who are twice and thrice-divorced, by gays and lesbians, and many who are not capable of such intense intimacy, the world needs the witness of celibacy. They should be reminded their is no law that says they must marry. There is only the law that says marriage is "till death do us part." Jesus encourages us to love even as he discourages us from experimenting with a very sacred institution, “Not all can accept this word, but only those to whom that is granted."
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I love to write. This blog helps me to meditate on the Word of God, and I hope to make some contribution to our contemplations of God's Mighty Works.
Ordinarily, I write these reflections two or three weeks in advance of their publication. I do not intend to comment on current events.
I understand many people prefer gender-neutral references to "God." I don't disagree with them but find that language impersonal, unappealing and tasteless. When I refer to "God" I think of the One whom Jesus called "Abba" and "Father", and I would not attempt to improve on Jesus' language.
You're welcome to add a thought or raise a question.