A very "Orthodox" point of view is expressed here. I particularly like the several mentions of the sacred state of matrimony, which might make for a good discussion topic among the RCs and Orthodox on these threads.
Yes ... it expresses what I was unable to do. Both states - Matrimony and Holy Orders, exert a special demand. As a RC, I have NEVER been exposed to a married priest ... yet, I empathize with those who are married and seek the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders. Perhaps, what I was trying to express is that to be devoted to Holy Orders, the task is so demanding that a married man would often be placed in a position of choosing where to devote his attention, depending on the situation.
I noted your comment that you are descended from an Orthodox priest. Like you, my (celibate) Maronite pastor is also descended from a priest, who was most instrumental in the establishment of a particular church in Lebanon. He served as an inspiration to my pastor; and yet, Fr. Elie chose the celibate life for his ministry.
For you, coming from an Orthodox background, it must seem odd that a Roman Catholic would scoff at a married priesthood. I don't know if the GOC has a liturgical schedule to match what most RC priests confront each weekend. The average RC parish priest must celebrate at least 4 masses. At my former parish, the pastor, serving alone, was able to enlist the support of a retired priest. When Holy Days arrive, the schedule is exacerbated by the additional masses. To that, add the time scheduled for Confessions (even if no one shows up), attending to certain religious communities, hospital visits, overseeing Religious Education, etc. The list goes on and on. I have no basis for comparison and rely upon you to fill in the blanks.
In my Maronite parish, however, the weekly liturgy is considerably smaller. There is one on Saturday evenings (except for the first week of the month) and another on Sunday. Interspersed, are funerals, weddings, etc. The same priest, being bi-ritual (Maronite and Latin), also assignes a great deal of time assisting the RC Diocese by celebrating masses at their priestless parishes, during the week, in order to consecrate a sufficient number of hosts for their priestless weekend liturgies.
He also assists at a local catholic hospital, saying mass, making communion calls and visiting the sick. He told me recently about a phone call he received at 4am, asking him to give Last Rites to a hospitalized individual where the family had decided to pull the plug.
How can a priest give so much of himself in service to God and the community, while also respecting his marriage vows towards his wife and children. That is the conundrum. The demands are such that, IMHO, it is simply not possible to give 100% to each vow. It would be a terrible injustice to a wife to place the community first, and v.v. ... does this make more sense?
Thanks for the affirmation