apologetics - priestly celibacy

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Matt. 19:11-12 - Jesus says celibacy is prefered, it is a gift and whoever can take it on should. Jesus himself is celibate.
Matt. 19:29 - Jesus says that whoever gives up children for the sake of His name will receive a hundred times more.
Matt. 22:30 - Priests live the heavenly consecration to God on earth as a reflection of what will be in heaven.
1 Cor 7:7 - Paul wishes that all were celibate like he is.
1 Cor. 7:32-38 - Paul recommends celibacy for full-time ministers in the Church.
1 Tim. 3:2 - bishops may be married only once and so they could not remarry.
1 Tim. 4:3 - The Church recognizes marriage as a sacrament. Celibacy is a discipline priests voluntarily receive when they decide to become priests.
Rev. 14:4 - Those consencrated to virginity are honored in heaven.
Isaiah 56:3-7 - the eunuchs who keep God's covenant will have a special place in the kingdom of heaven.
Jer. 16:1-4 - Jeremiah is told by God not to take a wife or have children as a sign of the last days.

Of all the rites in the Catholic Church only one rite requires those who are called to be priests to be celibate. No one is forced to be a priest but is called by God to this lifestyle. It is celibacy that is a reminder to all of us that there is no marriage in heaven. They are living now how we will all one day live. Marriage is a good and can lead Catholics to holiness, however celibacy is a higher good.

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